Looking for the simplest DAC ever...

[martioz]

I have been searching for the ultimate minimalistic DAC (47lab sickness). Till now this is the simplest I found

http://www.geocities.com/rjm003.geo/...o/diy_dac.html

only 20 parts , if we skip V regulators and use batteries we have 17 parts.

Can we go lower?

http://www.geocities.com/rjm003.geo/...ac_circuit.gif

[Elso Kwak]

Hi martioz,
You can go more simple AND BETTER by implementing the TDA1543 DAC in a Philips like player. This way you omit the SPDIF interface with the digital transformer and the CS8412 digital input receiver with its PLL.
Phlips players or clones (Arcam, Aristona, some Marantz, CD-80 and CD94 etc. you name it) that use the TDA1543 or the TDA1541 can be used without much modification. Simply bypass the digital filter (usally SAA7220) and install a low jitter clockand replace all powersupply diodes type 1N4002 by 11DQ10 Schottky's. I also omitted the snubber caps across the diodes. A mains filter also helps .
This will rocketeer you in [color=orange-red]Audio Nirvana[/color] ...

[Elso Kwak]

Originally posted by martioz
I have been searching for the ultimate minimalistic DAC (47lab sickness). Till now this is the simplest I found

http://www.geocities.com/rjm003.geo/...o/diy_dac.html

only 20 parts , if we skip V regulators and use batteries we have 17 parts.

Can we go lower?

http://www.geocities.com/rjm003.geo/...ac_circuit.gif

Hi Martioz,
The second geocities site/picture is unavailable.
I forgot to add that I removed the muting transistors too and also the diodes powering the muting circuit.
And I replaced the opamps by AD712/OP249/AD823/AD827/ LM6172/...../..
Not sure what is the best Opamp.
Discrete stage seems to be better but you asked for a minimal parts count....

Rudolf Broertjes has made a nice list of CD-players with listings of DAC/DIG-Filter/CODEC/Transport.
I will ask him if it is OK to post the list. Maybe others can fill in omissions making the list more complete.
Would be nice for WIKI pages.

[tschrama]

Hi,

Don't forget to check project 85 from Elliot Sound pages: about 22 parts without PowerSupply but you can skip a few more, but performances will be significant better, and the DAC is 24bit, 96KHz compatible... I build both this DAc and the Project 85 from ESP... I think I prefer the P85...

Goodluck,
Thijs

[Elso Kwak]

Hi Thijs,
You mean this one with the CS8414 and the CS4334?
http://sound.westhost.com/project85.htm
The CS8414 is suboptimal implemented, needs its own reset circuit, sounds less good on redbook CD's then CS8412 and the Crystal DAC I have never heard. Personally I am not a fan of Delta-Sigma DAC's.
My suggestion was to go for the one-box solution for simplicity and sound improvement.