Hello, lucky owners of AKD32 dacs!
Have anybody tried to interface AKC32 controller with PC or display/remote options?
Thanks!
Hi Danielkol,
DAC acts as a server for any number of connected clients. It can be PCs, Arduino, RPi, IR remotes or even Smartphones. However,user or someone needs to program these client devices to pull desired data out of DAC. Support information as in the manual. If client has display unit the graphics can show live data in any manner - great DIY fun! DAC can also push data to clients if there is an internal event like change of sample rates or volume so no need to keep polling. Any connected client or the local MCU can initiate control - Multimaster. You can also download custom filter profiles to the 9038Pro chip. So all very advanced features and can be a bit daunting at first but if you take it slowly you will find it straight forward - start with PC as a remote terminal and punch in the control codes as listed in the manual. Since you have a dual mono both DACs should respond and you will get confimation messages indicating status
It looks impressive, how about a short description ? A guess would be unregulated dc to supercaps to preregulators to the left. Guessing that's for the dac. A similar approach for the output sections as well, I think. Controller in the upper right corner, no idea what's next to that in the middle ?
Beautiful build 🙂
Beautiful build 🙂
It looks impressive, how about a short description ? A guess would be unregulated dc to supercaps to preregulators to the left. Guessing that's for the dac. A similar approach for the output sections as well, I think. Controller in the upper right corner, no idea what's next to that in the middle ?
Beautiful build 🙂
Thank you, the build shown has mains direct transformer PSU. There are options for LiPO battery and SuperCap types for complete isolation from mains. PSU is on a totally separate board for minimal interference. There are 12 isolated outputs for powering different sections of the DAC, again for minimal interactions. The DAC board mounts on top or even sideways if preferred. All wiring embedded on boards. I-V section occupies quite a bit for all the 8 channels and extends up to the upper right corner.
Looks fantastic, no XLR outputs? Is that an separate option?
For multichannel DAC, output options for SE on RCA connectors or Balanced on full-sized XLR connectors, all mounted on board itself. Shown the Pro series. If you looking for something cheaper then consider the standard series.
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Standard version 8-Channel DAC, AKD38 using ES9038PRO
For those looking for a lower cost 8CH DAC and enjoy a bit more DIY work 🙂
Comes with DAC module, Controller and IC OpAmp I-V converter Output Stage. No slouch either with high performance OpAmps on 2oz Cu 4 layers, gold plated board. Separate dedicated power/gnd planes with star-point grounding and shielding. Premium components: precision metal film resistors, film caps and Oscons - all smd parts, soldered down and very short traces for critical signals. Fully symmetrical layout with equal distances for all channel traces.
The DAC Core has all separate x8 ultra-low noise regulators mounted - Can be easily removed for future upgrades or user preferred ones. Control lines to the DAC are completely isolated. Digital inputs are compatible with 8 channel sources like MiniDSP NanoSHARC, DIYINHK, Iancanada McFiFO and many others. Interface adapters for neat and quality connections available.
Power requirements: 5V dc (4-10V) 1 A for Digital Core and +/-15Vdc (10-16V) 0.5A for Output Stage. Wide range tolerant, high PSSR components and reverse polarity protected. Regulated power, raw DC or even battery master supplies suitable.
Fully balanced processing of signals from input to output for best performance. Balanced or Single-ended output options on header pads.
Options to drive headphones directly including low Z, 16 ohms types - unconditionally stable. Get pristine quality sound as produced by the 9038 chip itself. No need for a separate HPA so no additional noise , distortions or colouring of sound.
Lots of options to tweak for those looking to explore and take things even further.
User's manual and support information provided.
Can also be easily configured for 2CH stereo or even Dual Mono so practically an all-in-one design 🙂
Initial samples, all snapped up. Pre-orders open for the next batch min qty 10 before production -GB only. if interested please contact me with the required options e.g. 8 ch, 2ch, or Mono, BAL or SE output. Input device type, etc.
For those looking for a lower cost 8CH DAC and enjoy a bit more DIY work 🙂

Comes with DAC module, Controller and IC OpAmp I-V converter Output Stage. No slouch either with high performance OpAmps on 2oz Cu 4 layers, gold plated board. Separate dedicated power/gnd planes with star-point grounding and shielding. Premium components: precision metal film resistors, film caps and Oscons - all smd parts, soldered down and very short traces for critical signals. Fully symmetrical layout with equal distances for all channel traces.
The DAC Core has all separate x8 ultra-low noise regulators mounted - Can be easily removed for future upgrades or user preferred ones. Control lines to the DAC are completely isolated. Digital inputs are compatible with 8 channel sources like MiniDSP NanoSHARC, DIYINHK, Iancanada McFiFO and many others. Interface adapters for neat and quality connections available.
Power requirements: 5V dc (4-10V) 1 A for Digital Core and +/-15Vdc (10-16V) 0.5A for Output Stage. Wide range tolerant, high PSSR components and reverse polarity protected. Regulated power, raw DC or even battery master supplies suitable.
Fully balanced processing of signals from input to output for best performance. Balanced or Single-ended output options on header pads.
Options to drive headphones directly including low Z, 16 ohms types - unconditionally stable. Get pristine quality sound as produced by the 9038 chip itself. No need for a separate HPA so no additional noise , distortions or colouring of sound.
Lots of options to tweak for those looking to explore and take things even further.
User's manual and support information provided.
Can also be easily configured for 2CH stereo or even Dual Mono so practically an all-in-one design 🙂
Initial samples, all snapped up. Pre-orders open for the next batch min qty 10 before production -GB only. if interested please contact me with the required options e.g. 8 ch, 2ch, or Mono, BAL or SE output. Input device type, etc.
what is the difference between standard and pro
Pro has additional tweaks and Class A discrete output options for even higher performance. Also, all output connectors (RCA/XLR) directly on board itself.
Pro has additional tweaks and Class A discrete output options for even higher performance. Also, all output connectors (RCA/XLR) directly on board itself.
plus customisation to fit end-user applications/preferences e.g. outputs on TASCAM DB25 connectors instead of the usual XLR types, Shaped to fit user specified enclosures/panels
Hi,
if on use this configuration on 6 channels active system with HQPlayer : PC > NAA > nanoShark > AckoDAC > amplifiers
Does the volume pot master all the channels in digital domain or after the DA conversion ?
if on use this configuration on 6 channels active system with HQPlayer : PC > NAA > nanoShark > AckoDAC > amplifiers
Does the volume pot master all the channels in digital domain or after the DA conversion ?
Volume control is done in the digital domain within the 9038pro chip. Vol pot is master for all channels.
Yes, but needs a separate add-on unit with multiple pots if physical adjustment preferred. e.g one pot for Master Vol and several others as required for individual CH Vol. I have done this before using the 9018 DAC for a 7.1ch surround sound system ...
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