ODAC offerings from Various Vendors

[jtktam]

yeah, regarding the usb, I would probably drill it out and then work it with a dremel/file. I suprised it was not designed to be used in this manner as it seems to work well.

Honestly i would disagree on the "as it seems to work well" because it's at the edge of the case and faceplate, it doesn't work for me (design wise)

the original location (by the batteries) pretty much centers the usb connector on the face plate, which is the intended use. also since you are bounded by your usb port, it doesn't really matter if it's portable any more (so no need for batteries)

-joe

 

[thirdman]

I would suspect the coil that is touching the case is not going to be a problem, since the top looks plastic (an isolator). As far as I know the outside of the USB connector is also connected to earth and can potentially cause earth loops. But that is easily heard. Else put some isolation tape on top to isolate it.

I was wondering if you only use 3 screws for the back plate, since the ODAC pcb is in the way of the screw thread in the case. And how much pressure is put on the O2 pcb by this. I would be nervous if there is pressure on the bottom near the USB connector, that this would flex the 02 pcb leading to breakage.

Good points, I will be "trimming/filing" the ODAC pcb slightly, the pics you see are of a quick test fit. I like the isolation tape idea and will use it between the case and the two pcb's.

 

[thirdman]

Honestly i would disagree on the "as it seems to work well" because it's at the edge of the case and faceplate, it doesn't work for me (design wise)

the original location (by the batteries) pretty much centers the usb connector on the face plate, which is the intended use. also since you are bounded by your usb port, it doesn't really matter if it's portable any more (so no need for batteries)

-joe

I agree that the usb port being near the edge of the case is not ideal, but being able to use this with my laptop/netbook is the better tradeoff for me.

I do have a couple questions, does the ODAC install disable the line in jack of the O2? What type/gauge of wire is recommended for connecting the ODAC to the O2?

 

[4nradio]

This coil is an inductor, and the black material is not plastic, but a ferritic material (the coil form). *Most* ferrite mixes are not conductive. In any event, isolating it with a thin piece of acetate sheeting or chunk of electrical tape, etc. would be a good practice.

I would suspect the coil that is touching the case is not going to be a problem, since the top looks plastic (an isolator). As far as I know the outside of the USB connector is also connected to earth and can potentially cause earth loops. But that is easily heard. Else put some isolation tape on top to isolate it.

 

[thirdman]

This coil is an inductor, and the black material is not plastic, but a ferritic material (the coil form). *Most* ferrite mixes are not conductive. In any event, isolating it with a thin piece of acetate sheeting or chunk of electrical tape, etc. would be a good practice.
.

4n, thanks for the advice.

 

[jtktam]

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkTbnFJ2yfzvdHZWbWJnSzBGTnBIUWpvaTJ2T3FPbXc

still time to get in on one

-joe

 

[HaroldHill]

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkTbnFJ2yfzvdHZWbWJnSzBGTnBIUWpvaTJ2T3FPbXc

still time to get in on one

-joe

Hey, Joe. My kit just arrived! Looks like it's all here. Thanks.

 

[HaroldHill]

All assembled and sound great! Thanks, Joe.

 

[Carlomagno]

pics: ODAC with O2

I bought the O2 a couple of months ago from Joseph Tam at Audio Poutine. It was just recently joined by little brother ODAC, also built by Joe. A handsome duo, to be sure (the O2 and ODAC, not me and Joe). Really nice work. They both have RCA outs and the O2 has 1/4" headphone jack. And both sound amazing. I bought a 2nd O2 (blue this time, looks really sharp) for a good friend who lives in Europe; I just might have to get him the matching ODAC as well.

 

[jtktam]

Fully assembled odac with your choice of silver or gold CMC rca jacks - $150 + shipping ($15 in usa/canada, $20 elsewhere)

Parts available seperately, check out the google spreadsheet below

-joe

 

[Turbon]

Thanks for the idea thirdman! Dremmeled of some aluminium both inside the box and on the backplate for the usb connector. Fits very nicely. Just have to create a new frontplate during weekend.

Brgds

 

[swalter]

hissing noise

Thanks for the idea thirdman! Dremmeled of some aluminium both inside the box and on the backplate for the usb connector. Fits very nicely. Just have to create a new frontplate during weekend.

Brgds

Hi Turbon,

I've seen your last post in the O2 forum, hissing noise from the ODAC. I could think of two things:
-the USB port touching the enclosure
-the two traces on the input connector not cut fully.
Especially the USB connector can cause issues when touching the case, ensure there is some air between it and the case.

Stefan



Stefan

 

[Turbon]

Thank You for your answer Stefan.

Yes, I dismanteled the combo after work and the hissing was gone as a first impression. I will try it out tonight with different sources but so far so good!

Brgds

 

[jtktam]

I have tons of odac (module only or assembled) in stock.. get yours today

-joe

 

[JZatopa]

Is anyone powering their odac off something other then USB power? I have been thinking about powering mine off of a chargeable battery pack so i don't need a powered hup to use it with my ipad.

 

[ethanolson]

Here's how you do it:
1. get a USB mobile power pack
1. get an adapter like the Cables-to-Go 28107. This particular one is nice because the power end is red but I make no specific endorsement. There are many to choose from. This one also has the correct mini end for the ODAC.
2. get the iPad camera connector kit
3. plug it all in and have fun

 

[JZatopa]

Ethonalson I already have a working setup, I just want to try to simplify it. I also think I might prevent damaging another board due to a ground loop by powering my odac off a battery pack