My search started with wanting to integrate an ESS ES9038Pro board (see link below) to an RPI4 via the GPIO (I2S) but power the DAC with a good linear power supply instead directly off the GPIO.
ESS ES9038PRO DAC Module I2S XLR 32bit 384khz DSD with Screen - Audiophonics
When that came up empty I thought about this kit (see link)
AUDIOPHONICS EVO-SABRE DAC Kit DIY DAC 2xES9038Q2M Fully Balanced & Streamer for Raspberry Pi 4 - Audiophonics
However, I felt that they have shortchanged the project by not using a really good power supply for the DAC and feeding it off the GPIO. I also wondered about the clock. So I dug further and I ended up on 3 very long threads from Ian Canada on DIYaudio. (see links)
ES9018K2M, ES9028Q2M, 9038Q2M DSD/I2S DAC HATs for Raspberry Pi
Asynchronous I2S FIFO project, an ultimate weapon to fight the jitter
Develop ultra capacitor power supply and LiFePO4 battery power supply
The Audiophonics 9038Q2M kit above looks nice and slim but is only 300mm wide and 185mm deep and is not a full-width component (440mm wide) or deep (400mm deep) so I figured if one has a case that is 440x400mm instead of 300x185mm could one upgrade the kit using Ian Canada's modules listed below.
To keep the height to 55mm I would use a 40pin cable instead of stacking the boards.
A second option would be to use all parts from Ian Canada but I am not sure what this list of parts would be. He has a long list of modules and options.
Maybe
and maybe
TRANSPORTPI Digital Interface SPDIF Low Jitter
RECEIVERPI Digital Interface I2S SPDIF
Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks.
ESS ES9038PRO DAC Module I2S XLR 32bit 384khz DSD with Screen - Audiophonics
When that came up empty I thought about this kit (see link)
AUDIOPHONICS EVO-SABRE DAC Kit DIY DAC 2xES9038Q2M Fully Balanced & Streamer for Raspberry Pi 4 - Audiophonics
However, I felt that they have shortchanged the project by not using a really good power supply for the DAC and feeding it off the GPIO. I also wondered about the clock. So I dug further and I ended up on 3 very long threads from Ian Canada on DIYaudio. (see links)
ES9018K2M, ES9028Q2M, 9038Q2M DSD/I2S DAC HATs for Raspberry Pi
Asynchronous I2S FIFO project, an ultimate weapon to fight the jitter
Develop ultra capacitor power supply and LiFePO4 battery power supply
The Audiophonics 9038Q2M kit above looks nice and slim but is only 300mm wide and 185mm deep and is not a full-width component (440mm wide) or deep (400mm deep) so I figured if one has a case that is 440x400mm instead of 300x185mm could one upgrade the kit using Ian Canada's modules listed below.
- FIFOPI Q3 ULTIMATE FIFO Reclocker
- LINEARPI DUAL Ultra-Low-Noise Linear Power Supply
To keep the height to 55mm I would use a 40pin cable instead of stacking the boards.
A second option would be to use all parts from Ian Canada but I am not sure what this list of parts would be. He has a long list of modules and options.
Maybe
- FIFOPI Q3 ULTIMATE FIFO Reclocker
- LINEARPI DUAL Ultra-Low-Noise Linear Power Supply
- The elusive ShieldPi (I can't find a link for this board)
- Dual Mono ES9038Q2M DAC HAT
- ESS SABRE 90X8 controller with display
and maybe
TRANSPORTPI Digital Interface SPDIF Low Jitter
RECEIVERPI Digital Interface I2S SPDIF
Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks.
Last edited:
I just received the shield pi from Ian and while it does split the power to the pi and dac it does not galvicaly isolate them so I went with his isolator. Also since the Boss dac provides a master clock re-clocking was not necessary. Granted the Boss is not the latest generation dac but it sounds pretty decent. For the pi4 I am using a 5A switcher giving it plenty of power, and using a Salas L- adapter with Ian’s super cap conditioner for the dac. The shield makes a nice platform to move stuff around on it and I will probably try different dacs . The original ESS 9018 dac was a little harsh and I am sure the later dacs are improved but I like the Burr stuff and may pony up for a Pecan dac though it is a little pricey. Since you are in India I am surprised you are not looking at the Allo stuff, In my main system I am using their usb signature bridge with a shanty power supply feeding a Schiit Dac and really pleased with it.
Bill
Bill
Last edited:
Thanks.
I did write to the Allo dealer in India but got no response.
My idea was to use a USBridge instead of the RPi4, a DigiOne Signature for SPDIF out and a Shanti power supply for power.
USBridge Sig - Ultra low noise RPI
DigiOne Signature Clean Power SPDIF Out
Shanti Dual Linear Ultra Low Noise PSU
navin,
Allo has a thread here in the commercial section. Someone from Allo (cdsgames) reads the posts, so it may be a way to contact them if you have questions: Shanti Dual LPS 5V/3A , 5V/1.5A
Allo has a thread here in the commercial section. Someone from Allo (cdsgames) reads the posts, so it may be a way to contact them if you have questions: Shanti Dual LPS 5V/3A , 5V/1.5A
Last edited: