1 PSU is not recommended, but personally I use only 2 PSU (one for RPI and second for Microcontroller ) and it works very well.
PSU is coming.. once those last uV of noise can be reduced.
Hi Cdsgames.
I have no idea how Im going to hook the 3rd PSU on the Katana? Can you recommend a commercial adaptor for the brown and black wire. My Katana is on the way and i cannot find any adptor in the internet. Can you have a picture of how did you guys power the Katana PCB as the 3rd power option.
I believe you can use a DC barrel with screw terminals. I plan to do that, but my boards haven't arrived yet.
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Would not suggest using XLR, since ESS dacs require very careful unbalancing and analog filtering to minimize distortion. Better to take unbalanced output and re-balance it if the best quality of balanced output is wanted. This is true even though the ESS evaluation boards don't bother to do it the best way and set a poor example.
I was looking at the power requirements in the Katana DAC. It looks like 1.7A for the RPi and 1.1A for Katana etc. Does this mean that 2x 2A supplies should be OK rather than requiring 2x 3A for a 2 PSU arrangement?
Shall await the custom power supply with interest. Is it the Nirvana? If so, does the Nirvana just have a single 5V output?
Shall await the custom power supply with interest. Is it the Nirvana? If so, does the Nirvana just have a single 5V output?
You're always such a nice guy.
I don't think that's a minor issue though!
The whole powering thing of Katana is not properly sorted out yet. It's a key issue.
Obviously now people start using USB-C or whatever adapters , "cheap" $11 SMPS power supplies and whatever highly questionable solutions.
Keep in mind. Katana is not supposed to be a toy anymore. Power is key!
Allo should quickly offer real high quality ""sets"" for all major powering options. And that as soon as the major Katana rollout starts.
Allo is also well aware - after working on Nirvana - that their $11 SMPS is NOT really what Allo claimed it used to be. Below marketing line can still be found on the Allo page though:
I'm wondering if this bold claim will hold for long from todays perspective .
Bottom line. If Allo wants Katana to become a success, they just can't neglect the power situation around it. Katana shouldn't be offered without appropriate supplies.
Enjoy.
It never pays to be rude, does it?
And for sure its a totally minor issue for me to get one of the silly cables and a few inexpensive PSU's because at this point I'm only interested in testing the feature and function of the DAC to ensure its correctly integrated into moOde software and so I can post some pics and details about it.
Maybe down the line if I have some spare time I'll play around with different supplies and such and see if it makes a significant difference.
-Tim
I don't think I saw this posted here?
Allo Katana DAC for Raspberry Pi - The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel
I usually like his reviews, others my find it interesting.
Allo Katana DAC for Raspberry Pi - The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel
I usually like his reviews, others my find it interesting.
Thanks! I was just about to post it. Hans likes it. Here his comments on powering.
I agree. He does say something in the lines of 'its the best DAC for that kind of money', but there is little description as to the sound characteristics and color.
I was hoping for more myself.
The thing about a really good dac is that it doesn't have a color. It just sounds like the record. If the record is well recorded then it sounds good. It not, then not. Katana is getting pretty close to that. Sit back half way across the room and turn it up a little and there is no dac to hear, all you hear is the music.
I assumed it was a mistype as if I am not mistaken, RPi startup is closer to 1.5A, although it may idle down to 500mA?
I was considering this... Mezzanine Power board<br>for Raspberry Pi
However, I don't think it can work ...
1. all the power is via the GPIO
2. there will still be noise generated by the RPi itself?
I did request this information from them over a week ago, but not had a response as yet.
However, I don't think it can work ...
1. all the power is via the GPIO
2. there will still be noise generated by the RPi itself?
I did request this information from them over a week ago, but not had a response as yet.