DAC 2496 (AK4393) DAC KIT With CS8416+AK4393+5532

[jimchan]

Originally Posted by bismuth

9VA AC for feeding a 5V Salas shunt reg will work, but 12VAC, rectified around 15VDC is better, giving 10V of dropout voltage. I've tried both, and will not go back to the three legs reg for the AK4396 VA. Separate transformers or separate transformer outputs is recommended to isolate analog supply from noisy digital rail.

Hi Bismith, thanks for the comments.

I agree regarding separate PS lines for analog and digital, and seperate transformer for the Op Amp. So, looks like I need another transformer, and build one Salas to create the D+3.3 V, and one Sales for the A+5v.

I can buy a new R Type transformer, or replace the R Type that is powering the Op Amp. Any suggestions here ?

Jim.

[reg66]

Originally Posted by bcmbob

BrownDog You can order it with pre-mounted components or do it on your own. Check around the BD site.

Here is a photo. There is more early in the thread I point to when I find it. Note square pad on module.

brilliant, thanks bcmbob. you're a star!

[truepaul]

Originally Posted by Max1410

Hello all,

I have only one problem: In the BOM isn´t specified the "L1" and "L2".
Can everyone write me what parts can I use?

Thanks,
Norbert

Hi Norbert -
L1 & L2 are inductors; presumably for EMI/RF reduction ... form a passive low-pass filter. At [2024] Bob wrote he contacted one of the online kit vendors, who confirmed L1 & L2 are 1.5 UH.

If you want to view more discussion of it, search the thread with the keywords "ferrite bead" or "beads."

Paul

[Max1410]

Tanks, Paul,
I think that will be o.k.?
SMCC 1,50µ - Drosselspule, Festinduktivität, axial, 1,50µ bei reichelt elektronik

Norbert

[reg66]

sorry if i'm stating the obvious, but...

just want to check, on claves BOM, there's two value columns. i take it the first is for AK4393 and the second is for AK4396, right?

[Black Stuart]

Dario,
some questions if you don't mind re:

signal path AK4396 - by specifying 0.1% for R23/28/29/34 I assume they affect the sound more than R24/26/30/32 @ 1%? is this so.

For R25/27/31/33 - same question.

As this kit is so cheap when compared to commercial DACs, I don't mind paying for components that I know for sure make a difference and Z foils are one of these.

I see that you also like BC - Philips LL, I'm thinking about splashing out on Kendiel caps for the PS - over-the-top for this DAC ?

You rec. Cerafine for decoupling of op-amps why not Oscons as per Erin?

Heat is something that most commercial and diy kits never address - when the kit arrives I want to see if I can use it on it's side with holes or slots on both sides to create a convection current especially useful re. regs and so on.

A general question to all - I see that sometimes it is nec to buy more of a particular value than you need for this DAC - so you end up with a box full of parts that you may never need again - it's not a question of money - is it an idea for those who have spares to list them and sell them on to those who still have not bought parts yet.

I've got loads of stuff that I need to get rid of and maybe swaps are a way to get rid of some - just a thought.

[ClaveFremen]

Originally Posted by reg66

just want to check, on claves BOM, there's two value columns. i take it the first is for AK4393 and the second is for AK4396, right?

No... the first one is the original value, the other the 'upgrade' one...

I've updated titles on spreadsheet, maybe this way is more clear:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...TVSNUhTdldoeVE

[ClaveFremen]

Originally Posted by Black Stuart

signal path AK4396 - by specifying 0.1% for R23/28/29/34 I assume they affect the sound more than R24/26/30/32 @ 1%? is this so.

It's not about perceveid sound quality but about precision.

The opamp do two things in the MINI2496:

1. filter
2. unbalancer

For a precision unbalancing more strict parts tolerances means more precision (and posssibly a better sound also)

Originally Posted by Black Stuart

I see that you also like BC - Philips LL, I'm thinking about splashing out on Kendiel caps for the PS - over-the-top for this DAC ?

Yes and no...

BC caps are nice sounding (high voltage rating ones, particularly) but they're not good for all positions, often they sound too much thin...

They works better than all the caps I've tried in the recommended positions but can sound awful in the others...

Originally Posted by Black Stuart

You rec. Cerafine for decoupling of op-amps why not Oscons as per Erin?

While OSCONs are fantastic caps for digital decoupling like most low ESR caps they are able to supply curent in a very fast (but non-linear) behaviour.

This often results in bad sound, IMHO.

Audio rated caps like Cerafines sound much better (less harsh, fuller and richer in harmonics) on analog supplies (opamps, analog section of DACs and so on).

The best caps for such role were the discontinued Blackgates.

[reg66]

Originally Posted by ClaveFremen

No... the first one is the original value, the other the 'upgrade' one...

I've updated titles on spreadsheet, maybe this way is more clear:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...TVSNUhTdldoeVE

cheers again, clave. once i've done this (hopefully!), can u pm your paypal email, i'll buy you a few beers for your efforts with the BOM etc!

[reg66]

this thread is just MASSIVE!!! (apologies for being a late-comer and probably asking obvious questions, but the search results are minefield, too. i am trying to bookmark pages as i go!)
1. is the general consensus that a main supply of 15VDC is good?
2. i've ordered one of the suitable R transformers. does this require any more regulation than the board offers?
3. there's a lot of talk about the salas shunt 5V for analogue. is it absolutely necessary? i'm a newb and would like to try the DAC with R transformer 'as is'. (at first, at least).
4. are there any images of a finished salas and where the 5V connection point is on the DAC, to save my dad pulling his hair out because i've asked him help me with minimal hassle!!!
(also, when me dad starts helping, i won't need to hassle you guys too much either!)
thanks again people