DAC-END R (ES9018)

[quanghao]

Originally Posted by qusp

yes thats correct, they made this recommendation way back with the 9008 and you have numerous blockages, it doesnt look like you have a solid ground plane to block...?

yes!
With DAC, the layout is very important
I spent about the same time to research, test, design, to have a good layout as possible!
Thanks

[audiodesign]

Last weekend I did a listening test comparing my second AD1955 DAC output stage hybrid with the ES9018 DAC output stage with OPA627 + OPA2134.

The detail and definition seemed more good with ES9018 but the sound was too dry and not very musical.

I think the problem on the ES9018 DAC is the high feedback of op-amp so I decided to test it with a vacuum tube output stage.

The my choice is the Raleigh Audio Line Stage clone, a Differential parafeed line stage push-pull with a pair of CCS (constant current source) to isolate the power supply from the signal.

http://www.audiodesignguide.com/HiRe...eighaudio1.jpg
Chapter 4
USB DAC 2 - Hi-Resolution System

Using a pair of ECC86 for each channel is possible to get a good result.

Here the first measurements of the output stage only.

To get 3Vrms on output it is necessary use 20 ohm as I/V instead of 10ohm.

[audiodesign]

Originally Posted by audiodesign

At this time I am using the XMOS module by Lucian but I will try soon also the Amanero module (Amanero Technologies).

Using XMOS module the actual firmware can display USB status and sampler frequency.

I am testing the Amanero USB-I2S module.

[audiodesign]

Here my test environment, now I am waiting my friends for a listening session.

[zzzmonster]

Hi, since this is dac end model, will you be trying to use 2 ess chips instead of 1, 1 for each channel - many have said this gives good result (as in the buffalo ii and iii dual mono on twisted pear and diyaudio), also john westlake (designer of audiolab 8200cd) is also using 2 for his upcoming t-dac.

I read somewhere that the 9018 performance is compromised when using it in Stereo mode.

ps: There are also people thay have tried dual mono (ie quad buffalo or in accuphase DC-901 4 9018 chips for stereo mode)

[qusp]

Originally Posted by zzzmonster

Hi, since this is dac end model, will you be trying to use 2 ess chips instead of 1, 1 for each channel - many have said this gives good result (as in the buffalo ii and iii dual mono on twisted pear and diyaudio), also john westlake (designer of audiolab 8200cd) is also using 2 for his upcoming t-dac.

I read somewhere that the 9018 performance is compromised when using it in Stereo mode.

ps: There are also people thay have tried dual mono (ie quad buffalo or in accuphase DC-901 4 9018 chips for stereo mode)

haha yeah stereo is compromised.... if you can call -120dB THD+N compromised, sorry thats ridiculous and can only be part of a sales pitch, how the dac can be excellent using 2, but compromised with 1? running 2 has only a benefit of theoretically increasing DNR by 3db, good luck actually pulling that extra 3dB out of the analogue stage and making it count in your system.

I run both modes in an ackodac and have done so with buffalo II's in the past, the only reason I run dual mono now is for my headphone output just because the extra dac is there, otherwise I use a dac for stereo balanced bass and a dac for stereo balanced highs in a digital crossover feeding 4 balanced mono poweramps (these are nearly done, but not quite complete)

most people I know that have run both are just ticking all the boxes.

[audiodesign]

This evening I made a listening session with a my friend to evaluate the differences between the USB-I2S module with XMOS and the new Amanero.
Both the modules are superior to previous models I have tested: M2Tech and Open Source.
The Amanero module sounds more open but also less solid and less smooth of XMOS module. The XMOS module sometimes seems more confused but it also have a larger image of the acoustic scene.
Changing the interconnect cable between DAC and amplifier, from Silver Resolution Reference Analog Interconnects by SignalCable to SilverMIca Zero-One by Voodoo Cable, the sound of Amanero is very close to the XMOS.
I do not understand why Amanero provided for the module power from USB only, I will ask if they can make the change.
The Amanero can paly also 32bit 384KHz and DSD files (SACD format) but I still need to test it.
My test enviromnet is:
- Amplifier End Amplifier End by Andrea Ciuffoli
- Monitor 3 the Monitor 3
I hope it is possible to insert both the connectors on the ES9018 board.

[qusp]

what do you mean? it has been pretty clear powering from DC is not a problem at all for amanero, in fact that covers a large percentage of the discussion in the thread. just cut the power and supply at C27, but it still needs ground connected just like any USB. that supplies the whole board and still using the onboard regulators, you can supply clocks and other parts directly by removing the regs, just read the schematic.

[zzzmonster]

Originally Posted by qusp

haha yeah stereo is compromised.... if you can call -120dB THD+N compromised, sorry thats ridiculous and can only be part of a sales pitch, how the dac can be excellent using 2, but compromised with 1? running 2 has only a benefit of theoretically increasing DNR by 3db, good luck actually pulling that extra 3dB out of the analogue stage and making it count in your system.

I run both modes in an ackodac and have done so with buffalo II's in the past, the only reason I run dual mono now is for my headphone output just because the extra dac is there, otherwise I use a dac for stereo balanced bass and a dac for stereo balanced highs in a digital crossover feeding 4 balanced mono poweramps (these are nearly done, but not quite complete)

most people I know that have run both are just ticking all the boxes.

SNR is not the main thing right, with dual or quad mono, many have claimed it sounds more analog - with a single 9018, it sounds very clear and detailed, but dry and uninvolving. I do not believe that the more analog sound simply comes from better implementation alone - cos almost all single 9018 sounds uninvolving

[audiodesign]

I have found a little problem to interface the Amonero to ES9018 in the DSD mode.
Two connections since to be inverted, I am checking with Amonero tech.

USB to I2S module -> ES9018
I2S DATA o DSD1 -> PCM DATA2,3,4 e 5 (CH1-2, CH3-4, CH5-6 e CH6-8) oppure DSD DATA 2,3,4 e 5
I2S CLK o DSD CLK -> PCM CLOCK oppure DSD BIT CLOCK
I2S FSCLK o DSD2 -> PCM FRAME CLOCK oppure DSD DATA 1[/FONT]

I will update soon about this item.

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It is possible to use an external power supply for the Amonero module removing the 3.3V regulator or the little choke.