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

[ClaveFremen]

Originally Posted by apoopoo999

I just completed my AK4395 version of this DAC with opa827. I used ClaveFreman's BOM and I am using 2 x 3.3v Salsa Shunt 2 x 5v Salas Shunt and a separate 7812 and 7912 power supply. Im a little disappointed, it doesnt sound as good as my CS4398 DAC. Maybe the AK4396 sounds better? From all the hype about the AK4395 I was expecting to be blown away. The AK4395 is very smooth and analog, but the CS4398 seems to have more resolution and detail.

Hi,

well, you're not using exactly my BOM...

For example you're using Nichicon KW or KZ on opamp decoupling, Cerafines are much more coherent and detailed...

Salas shunt are for sure superior regs but why didn't you used them also where they give their best, i.e. on analog rails of the opamp?

IMHO it wasn't a great idea to take off-board the LM78xx/79xx regs since you used, from what I can see, the same topology already present on the PCB....

And those regs are not the MC78xx/79xx I'm suggesting, am I wrong?

BTW I think AK4396 is better than AK4395...

[lykkedk]

I think this one, will be my chooise then :
NEW DAC 24BIT 192KHZ CS8416 + AK4396 + NE5532P BOARD KIT FOR DIY | eBay

Cool... Erin do you actually know this DAC.

I have some quistion's if you know it (outpt swing etc...)

Jesper.

[erin]

Originally Posted by lykkedk

Cool... Erin do you actually know this DAC.

Yes.
Send me PM about it

[F1 FAN]

Originally Posted by lykkedk

... any opAmp suggestions (I have some OPA2134, havent investigated if they fit or not) ?


Jesper.

Yes the 2134 will fit as will any standard dual opamp.You might also look at trying the LM4562.

[paul_peraic]

Originally Posted by lykkedk

Cool... Erin do you actually know this DAC.

I have some quistion's if you know it (outpt swing etc...)

Jesper.

Erin actually started this thread until it was high jacked

[apoopoo999]

Originally Posted by jean-paul

BTW which specific CS4398 DAC kit are you talking about ?

I am comparing it to a gigaworks cs4398 - cs8416 - cs8421, with opa627.

After a bit more listening this is my conclusion

AK4395 smooth and more analog sounding then cs4398
AK4395's bass is fuller and has more weight
Sound stage loses its depth and imaging is not as precise as CS4398
Details in the mids are lost. It sounds a bit "veiled" compared to the CS4398
I think what I like most about the CS4398 is its "airy" presentation.

[apoopoo999]

Originally Posted by ClaveFremen

Hi,

well, you're not using exactly my BOM...

For example you're using Nichicon KW or KZ on opamp decoupling, Cerafines are much more coherent and detailed...

I just looked at your bom again and I see you noted RFS are better then the KZ I am using right now. Should I use RFS (Silmic) or ROA (Cerafine)?

Originally Posted by ClaveFremen

Salas shunt are for sure superior regs but why didn't you used them also where they give their best, i.e. on analog rails of the opamp?

IMHO it wasn't a great idea to take off-board the LM78xx/79xx regs since you used, from what I can see, the same topology already present on the PCB....

And those regs are not the MC78xx/79xx I'm suggesting, am I wrong?

BTW I think AK4396 is better than AK4395...

Yes you are correct, those are some texas instrument regulators I had. Right now I am still building the Salas shunt 12v regs. When those are complete I will report back.

[Bjarnevip]

Hi Jesper(lykkedk)

Do you know there is a thread at the danish forum "AvTainment"?
Look here: Newbie hjælp. Bygge DAC i chassis - AVtainment HiFi & Surround forum - Side 1

/Bjarne

[Peterma]

I appreciate all the work and effort you guys have put into this kit, I think in the end its a matter of personal taste that counts well to me anyway and i am no expert on electronics but i am nearing 50yrs old and have been a musician on and off over the years I know what my ears like at the moment, I really like realism of this dac. I love the TDA's and continue to listen to them also but nothing is perfect, sound sources arent perfect either, quality varies in all aspects of sound depending on the source if its a crapy recording going in you wont get good one coming out unless you are at mixing desk etc.

I love music but sometimes I focus alot to the technicalities, and miss out on the music being played.

I reckon competition and variety is the way to go, just make a dac case with all the top end dacs in it so you can choose whatever you want.

Again thanks for this forum and the passion to excel

PM

[jean-paul]

Originally Posted by apoopoo999

I am comparing it to a gigaworks cs4398 - cs8416 - cs8421, with opa627.

After a bit more listening this is my conclusion

AK4395 smooth and more analog sounding then cs4398
AK4395's bass is fuller and has more weight
Sound stage loses its depth and imaging is not as precise as CS4398
Details in the mids are lost. It sounds a bit "veiled" compared to the CS4398
I think what I like most about the CS4398 is its "airy" presentation.

OK, I see this is a upsampling DAC which makes things different as well. BTW did you try ESS DACs yet ?