ES9018 32bit Audio DAC kit USD89.95

[diyinhk]

The lowest cost ES9018 32bit Audio DAC kit is finally here
I received many PM asking about when will it be release,
I decide to release the final beta to the public, it is tested to work with our USB to I2S for ES9018 PCB.

All component are layout with hybrid soldering pads for thru-hole and SMT component to increase diyer flexibility.
The oscillator pads is universal, it fits 7050 5032 and Crystek CCHD950 footprint. It also has enable pin for diyer to choose synchronous or asynchronous operation easily.
The PCB runs in hardware mode(default), it also has SDA SCL routed out for Diyer to change the es9018 register if needed.
The schematic and BOM is printed directly on the PCB for diyer easier to assembly.

Comments are welcome to improve this PCB

[glt]

Hi diyinhk,

Congratulations! I like the fact that there are through holes in the pads.

Looks like you have a digital input power line for the digital 3.3v which also powers the 1.2v, and a separate 3.3 line for AVCC.

What is the circuitry next to the AVCC power line?

Some initial suggestions:

1- Separate the D2, D3, D4 and D5 lines in order to support DSD
2- Add some pads to take the balanced output straight from the DAC
3- Add some pads to take the balanced output before the conversion to single ended output
4- Add a pad for U.FL connector for the clock input.

[i2k92]

Can't wait for that. What's the plan for the release ? 89.95$ will be the price of PCB only or with components (assembled or not) ?
Agree with the idea to have pads for balanced output, so I can re-use my tube unbalancer.

[glt]

Some more suggestions:

Add ferrites for the input power lines near the chip: one for 1.2V, one for 3.3 digital and one for AVCC analog.
Get rid of sharp corners for high frequency lines

[giuliaudio1]

I can't wait. Does it have a) SPDIF input and b) I2S output to use for playing with some NOS DAC's ?

Keep up the good work!

[enantra]

Hi diyinhk,
I am interested in this pcb......

[jcastellano]

I am also interested...

Please let me know prices and sales conditions when they are available...

Best Regards

Jorge

[Overkill Audio]

It would be great if the following features are available, I would be in for 4 or maybe 6 boards depending on assembled price.

(1) Correct implementation of digital volume control ie no resolution loss in the upper 75% or so of the volume control range.
(2) Flexability in choice of output stages
(3) Ease of bypassing on board regulators to allowvarious LiPo4 battery power.
(4) High quality mini UFL ( as per Quisp suggestions) connectors or pads where possible.

Thanks and Merry Christmas to all.
Derek.

[Adrculda]

Nice one !!

Interested as well at least in one, but might have a few friends that might jump on board with a few orders.
Also wondering about future plans on a 8Ch balanced version ??

Originally Posted by glt

Add a pad for U.FL connector for the clock input.

Agreed!

However, I would like to see more UFL connectors for I2S input, specially for SD, WS and SCK.
( A certain FIFO project comes to mind here along with a Si570 dual clock board )

[glt]

Let's remember that this is a $89 board. Suggest things that cost near nothing to implement :-)

Here is another suggestion:

Split AVCC in two: one for right dacs and one for left dacs. One can experiment TL431 shunts but those are limited to 100 mA