USB DAC Selection

[leggi]

Hi all! As a first time poster I would just like to say I have done moderate amounts of soldering with decent skill. I have some electronics knowledge, currently researching/reading material to gain more. As for audio based electronics I am not very experienced, I am considering some low cost projects to get my skills up to scratch. This project will be a skill builder in aim of the USB DAC I am searching for below!

I have been researching USB DAC's for a bit over a week now and have believe I have a fair understanding of the principles behind them, however I do have some questions.

I am constructing this post as I am having trouble refining my search to a good quality DIY build for no more than 3-400.

I am after something simple, I have no use for digital inputs/outputs or analogue for that matter bar RCA L+R. I assume less inputs / outputs will mean more money to spend on other components

What I am after

Input/Output:
+ USB
+ Power
- RCA L+R

- 2 Channel ()
- Non Upsampling (done on PC)
- Non Oversampling (Better quality I have read)
- Separate USB transport and DAC. Connected via I2S (Better quality no translation)
- Ability to process upsampled computer source 24/96
- Would prefer mains power for constant usage as the unit will not be leaving my PC

Any suggestions on some models to have a poke at would be great.

The DDDAC1543 with USB module looks good, but I can’t seem to find any user impressions of the quality.

I am finding it hard to get a direct comparison of any units or individuals for that matter. Even a nudge in the right direction would be a great help. Thanks!

[soundcheck]

Originally posted by leggi


The DDDAC1543 with USB module looks good, but I can’t seem to find any user impressions of the quality.

I am finding it hard to get a direct comparison of any units or individuals for that matter. Even a nudge in the right direction would be a great help. Thanks!

Hi there.

I am running a modded DDDAC1543 with 24DACs and battery supply.
If you want to go for a 16bit DAC I can strongly recommend this DAC.
The Tent-clock upgrade I'd consider a must and get yourself decent
coupling caps. Though I've thrown out my coupling caps, since I connect
the DAC directly to the AMP ( I am running a modded Charlize module).
Now I got a spare pair of 100$ Mundorf Caps.

You'll be happy with this DAC. Sound, soundstage, dynamics and transients
are really great. I love this DAC. I am running the DAC over USB. This just works great.
If you find the right PC setup, which is not that easy, you'll have a hard time to find any CDP out there able to beat this little thingy.

Be careful with DACs, where USB is converted the SPDIF. You'll be catching
more jitter.

Cheers

[simcap]

Hello,

DDAC1543MK2 is in my audio system from a year now, and i'm very happy with it. :-)
I have builded also a standalone audio player based on it.

At the following links I've posted my impressions:
http://www.simonecapretti.eu/Audio/D...DAC1543MK2.htm

and here there is the standalone audio player:
http://www.simonecapretti.eu/Audio/MoSAP2/MoSAP2.htm

Ciao!

Simone.

[dublin78]

Hi Soundcheck

"Be careful with DACs, where USB is converted the SPDIF. You'll be catching
more jitter."

Please explain this.

Thanks.

Michael

[ssmith]

Another very happy DDDac user here -- 2 DAC boards (2x 12 chips) and the USB board. Unlike soundcheck, I don't have the tentlabs clock on the USB board yet (they are still out of stock), but can't wait to get it.
Even without this, I'm 100% happy with it. It has replaced my Benchmark DAC1, which I was feeding from the PC with SPDIF. It may have been this inferior interface that was making the DAC1 sound a bit grating, but to my ears the DDDac is more enjoyable and loses nothing when it comes to detail.

Simone -- thanks for your site -- it was a big help for me wiring up my DAC and playing with various PSU's.

Leggi -- do a search for DDDac here and on google and you'll find some impressions. Mostly very good, although others argue that NOS dacs and 1543 chips in general are 'junk'.

[soundcheck]

Originally posted by dublin78
Hi Soundcheck

"Be careful with DACs, where USB is converted the SPDIF. You'll be catching
more jitter."

Please explain this.

Thanks.

Michael

I think a guy called John Svensson at audiocircle or AA took some measurements. He measured double the jitter, if I recall it right. The jitter on each single interface was pretty much the same. When cascaded it doubled.
That might not be the case, if you do a proper reclocking in front of the DAC

I don't have the link at hand anymore. Just google it.

Cheers

[soundcheck]

Originally posted by ssmith
Although others argue that NOS dacs and 1543 chips in general are 'junk'.

I think that's pretty much what Doede experienced and measured, before he applied his biasing setup and DAC-stacking.

However - I'd love to get a similar, but 24bit, DAC with just a resistor I/V output stage.
Perhaps one day BurrBrown also comes up with a 24bit USB2I2S interface chip.

Cheers

[leggi]

Originally posted by soundcheck



I think that's pretty much what Doede experienced and measured, before he applied his biasing setup and DAC-stacking.

However - I'd love to get a similar, but 24bit, DAC with just a resistor I/V output stage.
Perhaps one day BurrBrown also comes up with a 24bit USB2I2S interface chip.

Cheers

Is there any way I can build a setup with 24bit output? I was thinking that upsapling to 24bit on the PC would produce better sound...

Sorry for the late reply, I have been out of town.

[soundcheck]

Just FYI, talking a bit about 1543 perfomance potential with a single chip.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazin...mpling_dac.htm

Have a look what Charles Altmann squeezed out of a single
1543 DAC. (over SPDIF)

Altmans homepage is a quite interesting read too!

Cheers

[dublin78]

Simcap
I like your system very much - well done.
Newbie question: Please can you explain the function and advantages of the two capacitors connected to the analogue outputs?
I am about to build a similar sytem, but with a cdp transport, a NOS DAC, and a charlize amp with pot, all in one housing. I may add a USB input as well, but probably not at this time, as this will be a secondary system.
I am pleased that you had success with your "off the shelf" power supply. I had decided to use this method also, although I was not planning on spending as much. I was going to choose a TFT monitor supply 12v DC 5A @ about £20 (switched and regulated)
Best wishes.
Michael