Experience with this DIY DAC ?

I've found a pair of Altec 15356A transformers locally. Would the resistor (680 ohm) and capacitor (.00047 uf) values mentioned earlier be appropriate?

Does anyone know what size octal socket I should be looking for?

Last, these used transformers will run about $60 (for the pair) plus the sockets. Is this a good investment or would I be better off going with something else. Trying to be cautious since I've already been burned once buying something online that was not as advertised.

Steve
 
Atlplasma said:
I've found a pair of Altec 15356A transformers locally. Would the resistor (680 ohm) and capacitor (.00047 uf) values mentioned earlier be appropriate?

Does anyone know what size octal socket I should be looking for?

Last, these used transformers will run about $60 (for the pair) plus the sockets. Is this a good investment or would I be better off going with something else. Trying to be cautious since I've already been burned once buying something online that was not as advertised.

Steve

I wouldn't be afraid to buy them, they have good specs from a good manufacturer.

The primary circuit should have at least 250 ohms in series with the trafo leads with a small cap (.002) across the leads. Bigger resistors would use smaller cap, ie, with 500 ohms you would use .001.

Secondary just needs an RC circuit across it, like 1K in series with a .001 cap.

Exact values aren't important, feel free to experiment.

Best, Bill
 
Atlplasma said:
I've found a pair of Altec 15356A transformers locally. Would the resistor (680 ohm) and capacitor (.00047 uf) values mentioned earlier be appropriate?

Does anyone know what size octal socket I should be looking for?

Last, these used transformers will run about $60 (for the pair) plus the sockets. Is this a good investment or would I be better off going with something else. Trying to be cautious since I've already been burned once buying something online that was not as advertised.

Steve

Octal sockets are generic, one size fits all.
Check out tubesandmore.com , they have some with screw terminals, they are pricey but probably worth it.
 
Richie ma said:



Only ordered my DAC a few days ago, so probably a few weeks away. Harbuch are just round the corner to me, so i can pick them up quickly when my DAC gets here.

well my dac is up and running...now just waiting on some transformers from Harbuch...anyone interested in some more info can check out a blog i started i on this project, i have kept it pretty simple cause i have some non audio types interested in it..

http://bibdim911.blogspot.com/ :cool:
 
deadpool said:


well my dac is up and running...now just waiting on some transformers from Harbuch...anyone interested in some more info can check out a blog i started i on this project, i have kept it pretty simple cause i have some non audio types interested in it..

http://bibdim911.blogspot.com/ :cool:

Some time ago I had Harbuch made couple of 500VA toroids for mods I did on integrated amplifiers. They BOTH started buzzing loudly to a point where both had to be REPLACED...

Boky
 
Extreme_Boky said:


Some time ago I had Harbuch made couple of 500VA toroids for mods I did on integrated amplifiers. They BOTH started buzzing loudly to a point where both had to be REPLACED...

Boky


ok thats no good for u , did u ask for a replacement or feedback the issue to them?...i will see how the transformers go when they arrive, they arent exactly as massive as 500VA and not toroids either...so i wont prejudge the quality just yet
 
I have a Beresford 7510 and this DAC with 4397 chip. It's slightly modified in that all coupling caps have been removed, a few resistors have been added and only one opamp is being used(LM4562). It's better than the Beresford - more weight and better mids. But the Beresford has nice air and for the price offers a lot connectivity options. I'm presently working on the "transformer thing" on a second board(4398) which will hopefully eclipse both.
 
McCrackers said:
I have a Beresford 7510 and this DAC with 4397 chip. It's slightly modified in that all coupling caps have been removed, a few resistors have been added and only one opamp is being used(LM4562).

Hi McCrackers, thank for the reply (and thanks to Piero 7 too )
I don't want to do the "transformer thing" because it cost too much for me.
Do you think that the "only one opamp thing" http://lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/LAMPUCERA/MAX/opamped_lampucera.html

is it possible on the cs4398 version of this board too?
I have a dual burson discrete opamp and I'm happy if I could to use in this dac..

Thank you so much,
Dan
 
danrap said:


(...)
I don't want to do the "transformer thing" because it cost too much for me.
Do you think that the "only one opamp thing" http://lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/LAMPUCERA/MAX/opamped_lampucera.html

is it possible on the cs4398 version of this board too?
I have a dual burson discrete opamp and I'm happy if I could to use in this dac..

Thank you so much,
Dan

You can use Monacor LTR110 trannies. They are dirt cheap and they performs near as good as Sowters. I tested them and liked them very much, look there:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_o-j1QGIOpHQ/Sk1eb0gzXhI/AAAAAAAAACo/IETxAcAcAec/s800/analog.jpg

http://audiosurgery.beepworld.pl/dacki.htm

I also tested "only one opamp thing" and I was not impressed. Synthetic, plastic sound, and the feeling of "being there" has completely gone. Not recommended.
You better try tube output stage like this:
 

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