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

[johnm]

P.S. If one is not installing the op-amp output (I'll be using UTC A-20 output transformers) can any of the onboard PSU components be omitted? It looks like C39 and the 7912 reg. next to it can go?

[johnm]

Originally Posted by johnm

I wouldn't think so as it's a 24/96 DAC - unless it's able to downsample?

I need to amend this comment. I believe the receiver (CS8416) can accept 24/192 files. However the AK4393 is 24/96 only. The AK4396 can accept 24/192 though, so I **assume** these DAC kits with AK4396 can playback 24/192 material. Depends how the board/circuit has been configured however... Anybody care to comment? Can this DAC kit (with AK4396) playback accurately files of any bitrate up to 192KHz, or are they all upsampled?

[F1 FAN]

Originally Posted by johnm

I need to amend this comment. I believe the receiver (CS8416) can accept 24/192 files. However the AK4393 is 24/96 only. The AK4396 can accept 24/192 though, so I **assume** these DAC kits with AK4396 can playback 24/192 material. Depends how the board/circuit has been configured however... Anybody care to comment? Can this DAC kit (with AK4396) playback accurately files of any bitrate up to 192KHz, or are they all upsampled?

Sorry I should have clarified that I 'm building the 4396 version which as you mention is 192k capable.Since there is no sample rate convertor IC there will be no upsampling.
I'm also thinking that by using a small resistor(3-10 ohms)for the the jumper between the analog and digital filter caps(when using a single transformer)might improve isolation between the analog and digital supplies as well as adding some additional filtration?

[johnm]

It depends what's happening between the receiver and the DAC chip though. Does the CS8416 upsample all inputs to 192KHz before sending it to the AK4396 or not?

[F1 FAN]

Originally Posted by johnm

It depends what's happening between the receiver and the DAC chip though. Does the CS8416 upsample all inputs to 192KHz before sending it to the AK4396 or not?

No it (CS8416)does not change the sample rate.

[johnm]

Right. So unlike the Gigaworks 24/192 DAC (CS4816 + CS4398) this one doesn't need any DIP switching to change from - for example - 16/44.1 to 24/192 files then. Sounds ideal!

[jeffzen]

Originally Posted by johnm

Right. So unlike the Gigaworks 24/192 DAC (CS4816 + CS4398) this one doesn't need any DIP switching to change from - for example - 16/44.1 to 24/192 files then. Sounds ideal!

No, it leaves the sample rate as it is and the AK4396 version can play anything up to 192kHz.
And as I've mentioned before, I've got an AK4396 version and it plays 192kHz audio flawlessly. (However not totally perfectly, as my chip is defective, but it COULD play them flawlessly. However, that's an other story.)

[johnm]

Thanks for the confirmation Jeffzen - AK4396 kit ordered from Zoe-tsang!

Sorry to hear about your faulty chip - hope that gets sorted out asap! I know these particular chips are very finicky about soldering/heat.

If anyone wants an AK4393 PCB + kit (chips already soldered in place) please let me know (£10 plus £2.50 postage). Bought it before I realised that it could only get upto 24/96.

- John

[Silver84]

What about using the inner core from a coax cabel, whith the white isolation on, to connection betwen the dac pcb and rca plug ?

[jeffzen]

Originally Posted by Silver84

What about using the inner core from a coax cabel, whith the white isolation on, to connection betwen the dac pcb and rca plug ?

I think it could be okay, but I would absolutely leave the shielding on as well. In my opinion, shielding is one of the most important things when working with a lower level signal.