Clarifications on the "noDAC" DSD DAC from hdmi input
- By Kindofblue
- Digital Line Level
- 28 Replies
Hi everyone, Im' new here so I don't know if I should open a new thread... You'll tell me eventually!
Anyway, I read from some forums including this one that it's possible to convert a digital dsd stream to analog by means of a "simple" analog filter, without really involving any digital chip or clocks. This seems intriguing, and some swear by the quality of the sound (especially on some Italian forums).
I'm thinking of building one to connect my sony bluray/sacd player which unfortunately only outputs pure dsd via HDMI cable, to my vintage Sansui SS amp.
Here's the idea:
1)Convert HDMI stream to I2S as it looks more manageable, and there seems to be more documentation regarding noDACs DACs with I2S protocol input
2)Apply a filter, maybe (maybe?) with 30kHz of cutting frequency (-3dB)
3)Preamplify everything with a jFET or (even better?) a tube buffer stage
4)Connect to power amp and hopefully enjoy my SACSs finally in a purer form than the usual poor analog output my internal bluray DAC sends out
So, the problem here are the many questions (I am really sorry for such a long list):
1) Is converting to i2s necessary? Or is it even a good idea considering i'm planning to use a commercial (probably chinese) i2s extractor sold on ebay? I don't think it will heavily affect the audio as it's just a protocol conversion, and many people including audio enthusiasts use it...
2)THE FILTER! People say that even a first order filter is fine, but I really doubt that it will be enough... The phase response, the low slope... I just don't know. What type do you suggest me? I read about Chebysiev or Butterworth filters, I was thinking to a Butterworth, probably to a 3rd or 4th order. Is it sufficient? Plus, I don't know if I want to start to mess up with opAmps, so possibly an RL or RC or even RLC circuit... Do you have maybe some premade plans or some figures for the values of resistance capacitance and inductance?
3)The preamp: The thing I can't find anywhere is the expected output voltage and impedance from the i2s output and consequently the average or peak voltage out from the filter... Some values maybe? Consider the aux input @ the amplifier is 150mV 47kOhms @1000Hz... How much gain and amplification are required?
4)Can anybody redirect me to some apparently tested, good projects? Or maybe some calculators/formulary to to the maths. I'm a soon to be engineer so I can grasp some calculations (and would be happy to avoid you doing them 😀), but consider electronics is not my field...
I thank you all for your kindness
and sorry again for the long message
Anyway, I read from some forums including this one that it's possible to convert a digital dsd stream to analog by means of a "simple" analog filter, without really involving any digital chip or clocks. This seems intriguing, and some swear by the quality of the sound (especially on some Italian forums).
I'm thinking of building one to connect my sony bluray/sacd player which unfortunately only outputs pure dsd via HDMI cable, to my vintage Sansui SS amp.
Here's the idea:
1)Convert HDMI stream to I2S as it looks more manageable, and there seems to be more documentation regarding noDACs DACs with I2S protocol input
2)Apply a filter, maybe (maybe?) with 30kHz of cutting frequency (-3dB)
3)Preamplify everything with a jFET or (even better?) a tube buffer stage
4)Connect to power amp and hopefully enjoy my SACSs finally in a purer form than the usual poor analog output my internal bluray DAC sends out
So, the problem here are the many questions (I am really sorry for such a long list):
1) Is converting to i2s necessary? Or is it even a good idea considering i'm planning to use a commercial (probably chinese) i2s extractor sold on ebay? I don't think it will heavily affect the audio as it's just a protocol conversion, and many people including audio enthusiasts use it...
2)THE FILTER! People say that even a first order filter is fine, but I really doubt that it will be enough... The phase response, the low slope... I just don't know. What type do you suggest me? I read about Chebysiev or Butterworth filters, I was thinking to a Butterworth, probably to a 3rd or 4th order. Is it sufficient? Plus, I don't know if I want to start to mess up with opAmps, so possibly an RL or RC or even RLC circuit... Do you have maybe some premade plans or some figures for the values of resistance capacitance and inductance?
3)The preamp: The thing I can't find anywhere is the expected output voltage and impedance from the i2s output and consequently the average or peak voltage out from the filter... Some values maybe? Consider the aux input @ the amplifier is 150mV 47kOhms @1000Hz... How much gain and amplification are required?
4)Can anybody redirect me to some apparently tested, good projects? Or maybe some calculators/formulary to to the maths. I'm a soon to be engineer so I can grasp some calculations (and would be happy to avoid you doing them 😀), but consider electronics is not my field...
I thank you all for your kindness
