Hi-resolution source 192KHz 24bit (USB to Analog)

[audiodesign]

After many time to ear the my Hi-resolution easy system created using a EMU 0404 USB modified in the output stage and power supply probably now I have found something better.

Here the EMU 0404 USB + Lundahl 1527XL or LL7903 + Power supply + Sanyo OS-CON bypass yesterday inserted also in the output stage to replace the MKP + silver mica
Hi-Resolution System 192KHz 24bit with EMU 0404 USB

The new project use the Acko DAC module for the USB to I2S convertion.

Here the USB I2S Module-AKU-24 + Wolfson WM8740 + LT1086 linear regulator with many OS-CON + Lundahl LL1527XL
http://www.audiodesignguide.com/HiRe...on_Lundahl.JPG

Yesterday evening in a listening test with some my friend the new source has been considered better than previous.

I would like to create a new test in the future to check the USB I2S Module-AKU-24 with AK4396 AKM used in the EMU because the Wolfson can hide some defects of the digital recording making it more pleasant.

In any case the Wolfson WM8740 is a very good DAC using the ,amy commercial product like the TACT
Tact 2.2x upgrade

It is possible use a single 12V battery in the power supply for this new source.

The test environment:

- My new Amplifier End Amplifier End by Andrea Ciuffoli

- My Monitor 3
the Monitor 3

- Foobar2000 v1.1.6

- DRC software
Digital Room Correction

[audiodesign]

Acko DAC USB-I2S module available from

https://sites.google.com/site/ackodac/home

Soon other details about this project

[SoNic_real_one]

EMU0404 - why would you use transformers on the AK4396 (voltage output) is past my understanding powers...

Actually why use transformers ANYWHERE? I guess everyone is entitled to one obsession

[audiodesign]

SoNIc,
any DAC chip need a good output filter to reduce the signal at the sampling frequency and it is necessary a differential stage to get an unbalanced signal.
A good output transformer like the LL1527 can resolve both problems.

The original article about this use can be read on:
http://www.audiodesignguide.com/doc/pag1.jpg
http://www.audiodesignguide.com/doc/pag2.jpg
http://www.audiodesignguide.com/doc/pag3.jpg
.......

As you can see in the webpage about EMU 0404 USB mod. I have tested other output stages but I prefer this.

[SoNic_real_one]

A transformer has limited bandwidth (either low, high or both), filtering curve nowhere close of what is needed for a DAC (even after carefull tayloring, it's still just a second order), distortions (at zero crossing and intermodulations at max signal) higher than what an OpAmp can provide...
EMU 0404 is a good card, linear PS sure can help, but I really doubt that you did get better or even equal performance with what the original OpAmps had (not saying what would better OpAmps would give).

Sure, this is my 2cents.

[audiodesign]

Have someone saw a ES9018 or ES9012 on DIP socket ?

[qusp]

you do realise they both have a need for 7 different power supplies, which all need high quality decoupling and run at a speed that will look ugly as hell after a dip socket right?

[audiodesign]

dip socket does not alter the signal path but very important is a short I2S connections to the USB-i2S converter

[audiodesign]

In the future I will test other Lundahl output transformers

[audiodesign]

USB I2S Module-AKU-24 price 168$ + 13$ WM8740 on DIP socket + Lundahl 160-200$