Soekris' DAC implementations

[Dadbeh]

Im trying to implement a coax spdi input for my 1021 rev 5 board and it works but the percieved sound quality is less than stellar so I was wondering if this is the ideal configuration:

I have done this exactly on a perf board. the 0.1 uf capacitor is a wima which is not an electrolytic cap (I dont know if that matters) and the transformer is the newava . is this the still considered the best way to implement the coax input?

 

[analog_sa]

but the percieved sound quality is less than stellar

Compared to what? Another source through the same dac?

 

[hirscwi]

Setting parameters

Sound about right - better check manual 😉

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For future neophytes (like me), the procedure to change parameters is:

1.Establish serial communication session (using something like ExtraPuTTY)
2. open uManager by typing "+++" (no quotes)
3. the uManager will show rev level
4. "Help" and enter key will show commands
5. "Set" and enter key will show current settings.
6. "Set mode = normal" and enter key will set to stereo mode
7. "exit" and enter key will exit uManager
8. Power cycle

Ready to use.

 

[TNT]

Yes - it's what's in the manual ;-D

Did you get stereo?

//

 

[Despearce]

How do I wire a rotary switch to change between i2s and optical? Do I take power from J2 for the optical or pin 1 of J3?

 

[hirscwi]

Yes - it's what's in the manual ;-D

Did you get stereo?

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Yes, I did get it to work in stereo mode and sounds GREAT.

Now I think I will try a dual mono.

By the way, the manual i have is silent about the varios mode options, so your comment were helpful to point me in the right direction. Thanks.

 

[hirscwi]

How do I wire a rotary switch to change between i2s and optical? Do I take power from J2 for the optical or pin 1 of J3?

You need a 2 pole rotary. Theres a table i the user manual that shows how to connect to j3. The auto input select mode works well, also.

Either j2 or J3 works to power the optical.

 

[wushuliu]

Im trying to implement a coax spdi input for my 1021 rev 5 board and it works but the percieved sound quality is less than stellar so I was wondering if this is the ideal configuration:

I have done this exactly on a perf board. the 0.1 uf capacitor is a wima which is not an electrolytic cap (I dont know if that matters) and the transformer is the newava . is this the still considered the best way to implement the coax input?

We are on parallel paths at the moment it seems. I just got my 1021 up and running w/ SPDIF.

If you have not already done so and if you are able, replace the 1.2v with an external supply like LT3045 etc. It should be an audible improvement. Same with the main power supply.

 

[Dadbeh]

We are on parallel paths at the moment it seems. I just got my 1021 up and running w/ SPDIF.

If you have not already done so and if you are able, replace the 1.2v with an external supply like LT3045 etc. It should be an audible improvement. Same with the main power supply.

I've had my soekris on amanero USB for a while but coax is more useful to me as i want a dac for my allo DigiONE streamer to listen to internet radio. I am trying to fit a 1021, a phonostage, and a tube pre in one Pesante 4U case to hopefully use it as my source. it will have to sound as good as the Sabaj DAC D5 though otherwise there is no point.

 

[wushuliu]

I've had my soekris on amanero USB for a while but coax is more useful to me as i want a dac for my allo DigiONE streamer to listen to internet radio. I am trying to fit a 1021, a phonostage, and a tube pre in one Pesante 4U case to hopefully use it as my source. it will have to sound as good as the Sabaj DAC D5 though otherwise there is no point.

You'll have to use a good low noise PS and get rid of the output buffers at minimum before the 1021 starts to shine IMO (and i think the consensus of diyers so far). In stock form I would call it about equal to the Sabaj depending on tonal preference. But definitely use a better PS for the SPDIF not the on-board.

 

[Poni]

dam1021 implementation

This is my implementation of dam1021 dac, it took some time to finish.

It started as a cheap solution for second system but i like it a lot at the end. Especially form factor is great, its probably just right with power amp to fit the small cases.

I use Arduino + cheap touch lcd from ebay and apple remote for control.
The software is written in VSCode + PlatformIO, but can be complied in Arduino IDE as well.
Communication is done over serial port of Arduino and DAM with level converter between.

I left the software open for anyone who wants to use it, this is the link to github:

GitHub - poninskit/DAM_MEGA_ARD_SERIAL: Soekris dam1021 dac, software for Arduino mega / Uno + Touch LCD.

This is how the it works:

C0035.MP4 - Google Drive


And some pics of the DAC

 

[nautibuoy]

This is my implementation of dam1021 dac, it took some time to finish.

Very nice!

 

[Poni]

thanks nautibuoy 😉

 

[TNT]

Poni, cant see the pics. You have linked to pictures that only you can see if logged in.

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[Poni]

Thanks for the info TNT...
there is always problem with google pics and sharing...now I neither can edit my post nor make the links public... will have to post again

 

[Poni]

dam1021 implementation, once more

Once again, as the pictures links had to be changed... hope this time it works

This is my implementation of dam1021 dac, it took some time to finish.

It started as a cheap solution for second system but i like it a lot at the end. Especially form factor is great, its probably just right with power amp to fit the small cases.

I use Arduino + cheap touch lcd from ebay and apple remote for control.
The software is written in VSCode + PlatformIO, but can be complied in Arduino IDE as well.
Communication is done over serial port of Arduino and DAM with level converter between.

I left the software open for anyone who wants to use it, this is the link to github:

GitHub - poninskit/DAM_MEGA_ARD_SERIAL: Soekris dam1021 dac, software for Arduino mega / Uno + Touch LCD.

This is how the it works:

C0035.MP4 - Google Drive


And some pics of the DAC

 

[TNT]

Well done!!!

Try the Picture attachment function by "going advanced" when you post - no problem with links 😉

//

 

[Poni]

Thanks, I'm glad it worked this time with pics

 

[rbalu72]

Thanks, I'm glad it worked this time with pics

Great project,

could you post closeup pics of the wiring details/diagram that helps someone to implement this in their versions 🙂

Once again thanks for sharing.

 

[bmxmen]

Hello have any one try fifopi i2s reclocer IAN CANADA FIFOPI ULTIMATE Reclocker Module FIFO PCM 32bit 768kHz DSD1024 DoP - Audiophonics
Between dam 1021 i2s and any i2s source like xmos usb ,amanero usb,or raspberry pi?