Would it be possible to build a combined AMP and DAC like this? (Please advise!)

[Pipps]

It would be great to have both the Mini TDA1543 DAC (or similar USB DAC) and the 2020 Amp (or similar 25W+) inside one aluminium box.

It would be even better to have a powered volume knob (or even just stationary buttons) which can be adjusted by infra-red remote control.

Could such a combo ever be built?

[dublin78]

Yes, this is easily possible.

Simply put a volume control (a preamp, or a simple potentiometer) between the two.
There are remote control motorized potentiometers available. Some cheap, some expensive.

One here: potentiometers, switches and attenuators homepage

[Pipps]

That's great for the volume control! Thanks!

Where would I find a simple aluminium case big enough to accommodate both the AMP and DAC boards?

[dooper]

Originally Posted by Pipps

Where would I find a simple aluminium case big enough to accommodate both the AMP and DAC boards?

Hammond is the first place that comes to mind. You might have to contact them to ask about dealers in the UK.

EDIT: Looks like they have a presence in the UK.

[Pipps]

That is a brilliant source for the case. Thank you!

What would then be the best approach for making holes in the front plate for the volume knob? How would I drill into the aluminium?

EDIT: Is it also possible to obtain a remote controlled power on/off switch for the front panel?

[dublin78]

I have never heard of a remote power switch, but who knows...

Another vol control: This is amazing value, and as it is a preamp as well, it may help with any impedance mis-matching between amp and dac: Crystal c3310 Volume remote control preamplifier kit on eBay (end time 24-Dec-10 14:12:45 GMT)

[dublin78]

Another: MV04 Motorized Remote Volume Control+Input Selector kit on eBay (end time 06-Jan-11 10:02:55 GMT)

[ThorstenL]

Hi,

Originally Posted by Pipps

It would be great to have both the Mini TDA1543 DAC (or similar USB DAC) and the 2020 Amp (or similar 25W+) inside one aluminium box.

It would be even better to have a powered volume knob (or even just stationary buttons) which can be adjusted by infra-red remote control.

Could such a combo ever be built?

Well, it has been build (not that I suggest buying it as a commercial product, just an inspiration), but maybe a few notches up from what you had in mind, 192LHz/24Bit Asyncronous USB DAC (based on Musiland Monitor 01 US), Fully remote controllable, Tube Stage and Chip-Amp to give around 45 Watt per channel:



This shows it with a Asus EEPC something Box and a 1TB WD Mybook Drive. More details how it's done here:

Fusion3: 24bit/192khz USB DAC + Ultimate Tube Linestage + Power Amplifier

Ciao T

[Pipps]

Thorsten, that is amazing. A truly super-premium DIY unit!

I don't need anything that refined. Although 45w per channel would be good.

The spec doesn't mention the case which is used. Are you able to help me know the manufacturer?