Formula 1,but I'm a fan of Pass as well having built a number of his projects over the years.
Both of those output stages are designed to be used with current output DAC chips like TDA1541. To use them you would have to remove the IV resistor on the boards. If you absolutely must use an SRPP output stage perhaps this cheaper one would be just as good?
My personal experience with sub miniature tubes is that they are very microphonic and are not worth the hassle. So I would avoid the 5744 output stage.
Monza eh,the sheer speed would make it an awesome venue to see an F1 race in the flesh.I'm hoping for the red cars.
I have built the Zen and a number of preamps,but none of the Aleph's as of yet so can't offer any specific advice.Ofcourse the Pass area would have many a willing and experienced advisor.
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These can be used direct out with a wide range of DAC chips Universal Stereo Tube Output Stage | Diy HiFi Supply
They use it in there Satch DAC.
They use it in there Satch DAC.
thanks every one for the advice. I'm just thinking about the best output stage. op-amps are bad boys or good boys? LTs or OPAs or LMs?
But this dac is a voltage dac, no amplification is necessary. It needs filter and buffer, doesn't it? would some some of the grate guys though some light on the stage? Tube, trannys, JFT, op-amps? what's the best solution?
But this dac is a voltage dac, no amplification is necessary. It needs filter and buffer, doesn't it? would some some of the grate guys though some light on the stage? Tube, trannys, JFT, op-amps? what's the best solution?
Transformers work well, but as with everything the model/brand will dictate the sound, some are neutral some are warm, and some are not. Also quality plays a big part in the end result.
Tube stages are variable also in that the choice of tube and the implantation will dictate the end result too.
Personally I dislike Opamps, so for me transformers or a tube stage would be my picks.
Best will be different for everyone, personal preference plays a big part.
But that's just my view
Tube stages are variable also in that the choice of tube and the implantation will dictate the end result too.
Personally I dislike Opamps, so for me transformers or a tube stage would be my picks.
Best will be different for everyone, personal preference plays a big part.
But that's just my view
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I use Opamps on cork board if I run out of thumb tacks, they work really goodOPA827 is such a good opamp with such a good PSRR that I will not bother....
Ok, I am joking
But if you haven't tried those alternatives, you will never know how well they work, no?
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I use Opamps on cork board if I run out of thumb tacks, they work really good
Well, it's a (almost) a free world...
Sure, I do agree.
Did you tried OPA827?
But there's one thing you should consider...
With transformers or tubes do you design a filter equivalent (same frequency and slope) of the one on datasheet?
I know for sure that the AK4393 LPF don't suits well AK4396, the difference is clearly audible...did you take it in account while designing the tube/transformer output stage?
If you did use that board, you just connect the + output to the tube board and leave the - output disconnected. Tubes have an input capacitance that you can use to your advantage as a natural low pass filter. You can adjust the frequency by adjusting the grid stopper resistor value.
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Erin, I don't know why you keep on suggesting to do anything to the analog stage of this dac. The ak4396 drives with ease any domestic gear without any active stage at all. I tried quite a few active stages and believe me, only a very well build Tube stage sounds better than the direct out mod.
There is no need for a filter either.
What do you think is the reason why serious modders first get rid of any opamp in the signal path?
Less is more.
Klaus
Klaus, I use a tube output stage TDA1541 as my main DAC.
I realise that the AK4393 is a different beast to the Cirrus logic DAC chips, but when I tried connecting the Cirrus logic DAC directly to my pre-amp it sounded like it needed more current to drive my tube pre-amp. It was lacking bass and dynamics, and did sound to me like it needs a filter.
So, if you have tried CS DACs and the AK DAC and agree with me that CS needs more current drive, but AK is fine with current drive, then I will try the direct out mod. But somehow I doubt they will be different. Otherwise...... I absolutely always recommend some form of output stage to provide current drive. It gives a more lively sound. Yes there are some sonic advantages to the direct out mod, but also some downsides. To me the downside outweighs the advantages. YMMV.
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Erin do you mean some thing like?
or is this completely another design?
what you guys thin about this concept here? it's the same dac anyway.
you could do it like that
I concur and am liking the results with a discrete Class A op-amp buffering the output... I absolutely always recommend some form of output stage to provide current drive. It gives a more lively sound. Yes there are some sonic advantages to the direct out mod, but also some downsides. To me the downside outweighs the advantages.
You asked, so I have answered.
you could do it like that
If we count that extra cap at amplifiers input, signal have to pass 4 caps for reaching to amplifier.