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

[erin]

Originally Posted by squatt3r

guys would like to ask again where are the pads that needs to be shorted in order to just use one AC voltage?

[squatt3r]

thanks erin!

[jnewbold]

Originally Posted by erin

Problem is that the tracks are arranged for leaded components and not optimised for SMD parts. But I also think that you could fit them on the board, with the current track layout

Hello Erin,

The attached photo shows how I intend to use the PCB track from pin 8 FIL to insert the SMD components. C36 can go right against pins 7 and 8. I would then cut the track from pin 8 to The K SMR C35 and solder R2 accros the cut. Finally, the C5 would go from the end of R2 to the lip of the PCB ground hole where the 1nF leaded cap would have been.
The caps will be in the 0805 package which are a little fiddly to solder but acceptable. R2 can be 1206 package.

I don't have the kit yet and have had only the website photos to try and get the scale, but I think it should all fit into that small area. I have just built an SPDIF out driver for a CD player using SMD in a smaller are than that.

I am a little hesitant to do before and after testing because I have already heard the difference on the CS8412 chip. But I can give it a try – when the kit finally arrives.

[erin]

Looks like you have figured it all out. Im sure it will be a very good mod.

The CS9412 is a very musical sounding reciever, the CS8414 is more accurate sounding in direct comparison. I prefer the CS8414.

[jnewbold]

I haven't heard either CS8414 or 8416, just the 8412 I used in a TDA1543 based DAC a few years ago. I gave the DAC away when the mods I did to My Rotel RCD965BX made it far better than the 1543. I have done all I can to the Rotel, including an upgrade of the transport section and so a potentially better DAC is the next step.

I will also try a new active SPDIF receiver/transformer, but only after I have heard it as standard.

[pchw]

Originally Posted by Simes123

...
I intend to use the Op Amp output (having adjusted the LPF to the correct values).

Simon

Hi Simon,

Do you happen to have the thread number handy that shows the LPF correct values?

Thanks!!

[Nosian]

My first try to get Ak4396 kit work in direct mood was a failure. But I keep trying by working on the volume control as Sandller advice. It is a shunt attenuator with 10k shunt resistor parallel. I replaced it with a 2.4k carbon foil same value from AK4396 datasheet. And it made the trix.
I replaced the 3 elctrolytics in power supply too, thanks to Erin. Three Mundorf 15000uf are playing the bass notes to Patricia Barber’s “Autumn Leaves”.

The sound is totally different vs the same board with a LME49720. I have made two, the only way to get own experience in this endless discussions.
Direct mood sounds very relaxed filling bass slam in stomach. Although rhythm and pace is there, more obvious, intimate yes sexy. Never experienced from a digital source before, maybe 12 years ago from a Linn top player.
The board with opamp sounds good. Every thing is there but fasten, stressed someone called it, hard not enjoyable as direct mood.

Although I did not put money on the coupling caps(suspicious at the beginning). 10uf Nichicon ES (says better than BG N serie) on 0.1uf pio CCCP to the attenuator and 10uf Nichi to the gnd. I guess the PIOs are not suitable in this bypass. Problem with big orchestral! Teflon may works better? Waiting from Russia by doller.
Looking to Jantzen Superior or Silver mkp as well vs Mundorf silver/oil witch costs double! Do not know if the they worth the price (2x €53 for 4.7uf)
Any suggestion that is easy to order from Europe?

[erin]

Originally Posted by pchw

Hi Simon,

Do you happen to have the thread number handy that shows the LPF correct values?

Thanks!!

Download the AK4396 datasheet. This has the application notes and shows the LPF values.

[ClaveFremen]

Originally Posted by pchw

Do you happen to have the thread number handy that shows the LPF correct values?

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

The last BOM I've posted

The PCB with component numbering

[pchw]

Thanks Dario.

The board I bought from Zoe Tsang has a AK4393, not the AK4396.
Will download the datasheet to take a look.