Universal hi-end hybrid output stage for DAC

[audiodesign]

pcb ready

USB DAC 2 - Hi-Resolution System

It can be used with any balanced output DAC chip like AD1955, PCM179x, ES9018, CS439x, AK439x.

 

[dirkwright]

OK.... passive I/V via some resistors to ground from the grid of each vacuum tube with a mosfet follower on the plate of each tube? How is this high resolution again?

 

[audiodesign]

Passive I/V work very good with new DAC like PCM179x and AD1955 .

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The component list with the cost has been published, I hope the kit will reduce the total cost.

 

[Jay]

Wow, I thought I was wrong going in similar direction, or I was just too lucky that it sounded so good. So it is not a bad direction at all. But the resolution really depends on the quality of the power supply. Must be decided by listening test. Shunt, coils...

 

[dirkwright]

All I meant was that it's been shown that a passive I/V resistor's value strongly affects the distortion performance of current output DACs. The lower the resistor's value, the lower the distortion. So, I don't see passive I/V as being the highest possible resolution, though my own design doesn't have a zero input impedance either, but it's pretty dang low. Anyway, good luck with your project.

 

[Ken Newton]

pcb ready

USB DAC 2 - Hi-Resolution System

It can be used with any balanced output DAC chip like AD1955, PCM179x, ES9018, CS439x, AK439x.

Can you tell us more about your preference for the AD1955 over the PCM179X? I have already read the very brief comments given in the DAC comparison chart on your homepage, but I'm hoping you might provide a more in-depth opinion on those two chips.

 

[stephensank]

The feedback loop in an active i/v stage does FAR more damage to the sound that the potentially higher noise floor of using a low value resistor for i/v.

 

[audiodesign]

The comparison between the DAC chip was carried out with various listening sessions with different people and with different equipment in order to have an objective result and not subjective.
The AD1955 chip is the result most relevant to reality sound.

 

[audiodesign]

New info has been published about the complete project.

USB DAC 2 - Hi-Resolution System

 

[analog_sa]

All I meant was that it's been shown that a passive I/V resistor's value strongly affects the distortion performance of current output DACs.

Strongly? Has been shown? Can you show figures? Harmonic spectra?

Current output dacs are not all the same. Within limits most can tolerate output voltage without particular rise in distortion. Ime 20-30ohms at the output of 1794 work just fine. No clue about the 1955 though.

Besides, even if there is a minor rise in distortion, it's insignificant in the context of a tube output stage.

 

[audiodesign]

New info has been published about the complete project.

USB DAC 2 - Hi-Resolution System

USB DAC 2 - Hi-Resolution System

 

[audiodesign]

last photo of balanced version

 

[audiodesign]

My DAC using this output stage is finished.

USB DAC 2 - Hi-Resolution System

 

[audiodesign]

Ask to Quanghao.com for PCB or kit cost

 

[audiodesign]

The project is near to the end

USB DAC 2 - Hi-Resolution System

only the chassie is now necessary.

 

[quanghao]

The project is near to the end

USB DAC 2 - Hi-Resolution System

only the chassie is now necessary.

please se this link:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-source/220006-dac-end-r-es9018-2.html

 

[audiodesign]

PCB files and last photos has been published