Does the PCM2902 DAC benefit from an external regulator?

aaronl · 10th August 2004, 09:37 AM

I'm building a headphone amplifier with the PCM2902 USB codec (to be specific, the analog portion of the design is Jan Meier's design). My plan is to use a REG103 to provide 5V from the 15V power supply, avoiding the dirty USB power. However, I'm wondering if I should also get another regulator to provide the 3.6V for V_CCCI. The data sheet indicates that without this regulator, ADC performance suffers, but it doesn't comment on DAC performance, which is what I'm interested in. Does anyone know whether the regulator is helpful for DAC-only use?

BTW, reading through many posts here about the PCM2902 has made me a little concerned about grounding. Is it a good idea to directly connect the analog and digital grounds or not? The circuit includes a ground-loop breaker, but I don't know how much it would help, if at all.

KobaltBlau · 21st January 2005, 06:32 AM

aaron, did you get this built? I'm interested in your design.

Thanks, Andy

10th August 2004, 09:37 AM	#1
aaronl diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: SF Bay Area	Does the PCM2902 DAC benefit from an external regulator? I'm building a headphone amplifier with the PCM2902 USB codec (to be specific, the analog portion of the design is Jan Meier's design). My plan is to use a REG103 to provide 5V from the 15V power supply, avoiding the dirty USB power. However, I'm wondering if I should also get another regulator to provide the 3.6V for V_CCCI. The data sheet indicates that without this regulator, ADC performance suffers, but it doesn't comment on DAC performance, which is what I'm interested in. Does anyone know whether the regulator is helpful for DAC-only use? BTW, reading through many posts here about the PCM2902 has made me a little concerned about grounding. Is it a good idea to directly connect the analog and digital grounds or not? The circuit includes a ground-loop breaker, but I don't know how much it would help, if at all.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Will My Ipod Benefit Through a Tube Amp?	jobsworth`	Tubes / Valves	14	19th July 2008 01:46 AM
Adding external regulator to my Bosch alt	Safe_Cracker	Car Audio	3	11th October 2007 01:48 AM
How high is the benefit of a low Q?	rick57	Multi-Way	12	12th December 2006 05:31 AM
PCM2902 XTI and external clocksources	hifi	Digital Source	9	19th October 2005 10:53 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

21st January 2005, 06:32 AM	#2
KobaltBlau diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Denver	aaron, did you get this built? I'm interested in your design. Thanks, Andy

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)