Venturing into into the DAC world...

naturallmystic · 12:29 AM

The more I read about the benefits of adding a DAC between my computer (Apple MACmini) and amplifier the more I want to try it out. It seems for me that the simplest way to set this up would be via USB.

I recently saw a DAC kit on ebay "DAC 2496 (AK4393) DAC KIT With CS8416+AK4393+5532" and was shocked at how cheap it is. $19.00US.

I recognize that if something seems too good to be true it probably is and I also realize there is a great deal I don't know about this subject so I thought I would ask here for recommendations of an inexpensive DAC kit that utilizes a USB source.

Thanks I am looking forward to what you gurus have to say.

naturallmystic · 8th April 2011, 12:44 PM

Though some input from those of you here that know something about D/A converters would be nice I have found what seems to me, with my limited knowledge, to be a pretty nice DAC. This is the ebay link:
the product is described as:Upsampling 24bit/192 DAC KIT,TOROID TRAN,USB, CS4398 Any thoughts would be really nice. Thanks

StevenZ · 8th April 2011, 12:58 PM

That looks like a nice kit. Let us know how it works out for you. If you have positive results I may pick one up myself as I've also been reading about adding a DAC to my system.

-Steven

Bill Fuss · 8th April 2011, 01:58 PM

It's a very nice Dac for the money, I have 2 of them. A company named Decware is actually selling them installed in a cheap case for $1000, go figure.

The USB input might be the most compromised part of the Dac but it's apparently still pretty decent. The upsampling feature is well worth the money.

There is a 4000 post thread about this Dac on the Forum, "Experience with this DIY Dac"

Best, Bill

StevenZ · 8th April 2011, 02:10 PM

Thanks Bill! I didn't know Steve Deckert was using this exact same kit in his products. That's great to know. Now, another item added to my wishlist.

naturallmystic · 04:49 PM

Thanks for the posts Bill and Steven, I was beginning to think I was invisible. I was just about to start looking for a nice box to put it in. Any thoughts on a good source to find this sort of thing?

Bill did you buy yours on ebay from the lawtronic store?

Bill Fuss · 8th April 2011, 05:06 PM

I bought one from Gigawork and the other from a forum member. They are all made at the same factory.

Casing is a personal thing, I don't care much about aesthetics so I used a Par-Metal case. They are pretty well made but the front panels are plain brushed aluminum. $50 for a 12 x 12 x 3 is pretty hard to beat these days. You can spend lots more if you wish.

naturallmystic · 05:36 PM

Thanks Bill, I'll google Par Metal. Is the DAC board that large that it needs 12x12" enclosure? I went ahead and ordered the DAC, so looks like I am in.

Bill Fuss · 8th April 2011, 05:56 PM

Not really, 8 x 12 x 3 would be big enough. I use output transformers with both of mine instead of the opamp circuitry on the board

naturallmystic · 8th April 2011, 05:57 PM

Why do you use output transformers ?

6th April 2011, 12:27 AM	#1
naturallmystic diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Memphis	Venturing into into the DAC world... The more I read about the benefits of adding a DAC between my computer (Apple MACmini) and amplifier the more I want to try it out. It seems for me that the simplest way to set this up would be via USB. I recently saw a DAC kit on ebay "DAC 2496 (AK4393) DAC KIT With CS8416+AK4393+5532" and was shocked at how cheap it is. $19.00US. I recognize that if something seems too good to be true it probably is and I also realize there is a great deal I don't know about this subject so I thought I would ask here for recommendations of an inexpensive DAC kit that utilizes a USB source. Thanks I am looking forward to what you gurus have to say. Last edited by naturallmystic; 6th April 2011 at 12:29 AM.

8th April 2011, 04:47 PM	#6
naturallmystic diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Memphis	Thanks for the posts Bill and Steven, I was beginning to think I was invisible. I was just about to start looking for a nice box to put it in. Any thoughts on a good source to find this sort of thing? Bill did you buy yours on ebay from the lawtronic store? Last edited by naturallmystic; 8th April 2011 at 04:49 PM.

8th April 2011, 05:21 PM	#8
naturallmystic diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Memphis	Thanks Bill, I'll google Par Metal. Is the DAC board that large that it needs 12x12" enclosure? I went ahead and ordered the DAC, so looks like I am in. Last edited by naturallmystic; 8th April 2011 at 05:36 PM.

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8th April 2011, 12:44 PM	#2
naturallmystic diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Memphis	Though some input from those of you here that know something about D/A converters would be nice I have found what seems to me, with my limited knowledge, to be a pretty nice DAC. This is the ebay link: the product is described as:Upsampling 24bit/192 DAC KIT,TOROID TRAN,USB, CS4398 Any thoughts would be really nice. Thanks

8th April 2011, 12:58 PM	#3
StevenZ diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2010	That looks like a nice kit. Let us know how it works out for you. If you have positive results I may pick one up myself as I've also been reading about adding a DAC to my system. -Steven

8th April 2011, 01:58 PM	#4
Bill Fuss RIP Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Central Florida	It's a very nice Dac for the money, I have 2 of them. A company named Decware is actually selling them installed in a cheap case for $1000, go figure. The USB input might be the most compromised part of the Dac but it's apparently still pretty decent. The upsampling feature is well worth the money. There is a 4000 post thread about this Dac on the Forum, "Experience with this DIY Dac" Best, Bill

8th April 2011, 02:10 PM	#5
StevenZ diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2010	Thanks Bill! I didn't know Steve Deckert was using this exact same kit in his products. That's great to know. Now, another item added to my wishlist.

8th April 2011, 05:06 PM	#7
Bill Fuss RIP Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Central Florida	I bought one from Gigawork and the other from a forum member. They are all made at the same factory. Casing is a personal thing, I don't care much about aesthetics so I used a Par-Metal case. They are pretty well made but the front panels are plain brushed aluminum. $50 for a 12 x 12 x 3 is pretty hard to beat these days. You can spend lots more if you wish.

8th April 2011, 05:56 PM	#9
Bill Fuss RIP Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Central Florida	Not really, 8 x 12 x 3 would be big enough. I use output transformers with both of mine instead of the opamp circuitry on the board

8th April 2011, 05:57 PM	#10
naturallmystic diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Memphis	Why do you use output transformers ?

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