DAC Kit to Get My Feet Wet?

[Luckbad]

I'd like to build a DAC. Preferably from a kit, and preferably R-2R.

I'm still pretty new to soldering and electronics DIY but I'm about to come out from underwater at work (still in crunch mode for a couple weeks, but I want a project on the other side).

Are there any relatively easy kits that I'm unlikely to kill myself or my amp trying to build?

 

[Tam Lin]

The few remaining R2R DAC kits include:

AD1862 from diyinhk.com
AD1865 from ankaudiokits.com
PCM1704 from analogmetric.com

 

[nigelwright7557]

Some of those kits are SMD which isn't the easiest thing to solder for a beginner.

You can ready built USB DAC's on ebay for less than $15

Or pick one that is through hole.

 

[Luckbad]

Thanks!

I might try the AD1862 kit.

I have an amazing MHDT Labs Atlantis that uses them.

If I fail to get it working, I'm sure I'll learn something!