Asynchronous I2S FIFO project, an ultimate weapon to fight the jitter

Just purchased a UcPure Quad for use at 5v - I intend to use 12vac input, which is stated to need 8.1A for fast recovery - this gives 100VA transformer. Is that optimal?

Now most transformers come with dual 12vac secondaries, can I wire in parallel to get the full VA rating of the transformer? (wiring with correct phase of course).
 
Yes you can parallel to get your 8 A
Just make sure to parallel the proper way to avoid a short also make sure to put a fuse at least on the 120 or 240 input if not both input and out (preferably)
Check the temperature of the transformer a high temperature is a sign of bad wiring on the input or output.
Here is a example where they show you what color wires to put together on this particular transformer.
https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/410/VPM24_4170-844642.pdf
 
Just purchased a UcPure Quad for use at 5v - I intend to use 12vac input, which is stated to need 8.1A for fast recovery - this gives 100VA transformer. Is that optimal?

Now most transformers come with dual 12vac secondaries, can I wire in parallel to get the full VA rating of the transformer? (wiring with correct phase of course).
I gave up that solution.
The transformer's secondary coils at 2x12V can theoretically be connected in parallel for more power.
Unfortunately, in practice (production) secondary scrolls are not perfectly equal. This means that when connecting in parallel, equalizing currents flow through the transformer.
If these currents are large, the transformer will heat up. How hard? It depends on the voltage difference in the secondary coils.
 
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Hello everyone,
I'm considering building a UCPURE Quad.
However, I have some questions regarding the power supply needed for it.
Would a 12V 5A toroidal transformer be sufficient?
Or can I use an iFi Power 12V to power the board?
DC input is 12-15v - iPower Elite doesn't offer enough current - the quad is either 5.3A or 8.1A current (via jumper).

For DC input a Keces P8 single output would work, Ian Canadas own LinearPi Pro is 5.0A rated (marginal as a feeder), or Salas L Adapter with heatsink - some of my friends have used lab linear power supplies and seem to be happy - after all you'll hopefully be in pure mode for a long time with a quad.

You could also consider transformer plus Gabby's CRC as a feed - I'm just going to try AC direct in the first instance.
 
Dear @pkonstantinidis and forum colleagues,

As I promised, I revert with my impressions on TDA1 DAC. Before, I dive in, I need to state the following: the comparison will be made using as benchmark the duo Ian Canada streamer – Holo May KTE DAC. My opinion, as every other opinion, has a level of subjectivity. In my case, because of a sensitivity I have in my ears, I can’t stand harshness, and this is a determinant of my verdict.

Ian Canada streamer – Holo May KTE DAC: Initially, I streamed using my windows PC. The improvement was substantial when I removed the polluted PC signal from the signal path by replacing the PC with Ian Canada streamer. In fact, @iancanada in one of his helpful emails argued about that. But I had difficulty to believe is since Holo May was marketed as immune to jitter. Anyway, there was a roll off in high frequencies that I noticed immediately. The sound became more pleasant as if all unpleasant harmonics were rejected (in fact they were just upsent). The soundstage was increased. There was more air among the instruments. Sound from all instruments, and particularly the high frequency ones, became more refined and focused.

Ian Canada Streamer - TDA1 DAC: Since I was so satisfied with the Ian Canada streamer – Holo May duo, I saw building the TDA1 dac as a challenge to beat the Ian Canada streamer – Holo May duo. With the Ian Canada streamer- TDA1 duo, the sound stage opened even more. I confirm that the 1) the addition of Ian Canada I2s to PCM converter contributed on that and also 2) that I saw improvement when changed the first TDA1541 (non A chip) with a TDA1541A that I took from a Proton AC 620 cd player. I also confirm that there was even more air among the instruments. Though, I did not listen that refinement I heard from the streamer – Holo May duo. This is reasonable for a legacy chip not being that detailed.

The negative, and a rather determinant factor in my assessment, was that I listened harshness. I could assume that if I had available spectrum analyzing equipment, there would be 5th and 6th harmonics in the spectrum. The TDA1541A sounded better than the non-A chip but still the outcome was far from the threshold of being pleasant.

I wrote to @Gabster 2000 requesting his advice. Since for my setup I used the bill of materials Gaby used and the fact that the Ian Canada streamer together with the Holo May achives great results, I assume that either 1) this is the sound identity of TDA1541A Dac or 2) the sample of TDA chips that I used is way below the average standard of these chips. To that end, I would be keen to try some other TDA chips.

I invite opinions of forum colleagues, particularly the ones who have already built and enjoying listening the TDA1 Dac. Further, during the next vacation days, I intend to invite friends and critically listen the TDA1 dac and share their impressions.
Dear forum colleagues,

I revert regarding to my initial assessment on TD1 DAC that I have recently built. In my previous initial view, I compared 1) the Ian Canada Streamer with Holo May KTE DAC duo versus 2) Ian Canada Streamer TD1 DAC duo. I have informed for my requirement for a smooth sound due to sensitivity that I have in my ears. While the TD1 DAC revealed all its merits as @Gabster 2000 promised (particularly its impressive soundstage), there was something making music somehow unpleasant related to my overarching requirement.

Before I move forward, I wished to confirm (or not) that "unpleasantness", and I asked from a second unbiased listener his opinion. So, an audiophile friend, Plato (as the Greek philosopher), joined me for a critical listening test. Plato directly preferred the Ian Canada Streamer TD1 DAC duo. He confirmed that indeed the TD1 DAC is of an audiophile grade. And as you may assume, he did not complain or notice any harshness.

Then, I contacted @Gabster 2000 stating my subjective, as it turned to be, requirement. @Gabster 2000 reacted immediately, showing understanding and willingness to help me. For this reason I am thankful to him. We exchanged several emails to make sure that building of DAC was flawless and after that we focused on making the output fit to my stringent requirement. He proposed to try one of his JSS chips. He further praised this chip as being particularly smooth. @Gabster 2000 was so kind to offer to send it for test and if I was not satisfied to return it back. So, we proceeded.

The chip arrived. It delivered all promises @Gabster 2000 claimed 1) in his videos (see for “G” category) and 2) to me personally. In fact ,it worths any cent that I paid. Most of the difference with my other TDA chip is related to the smoothness and clarity in midrange. It worths noting that one thing that I may still have to work on is that there are some signs of “unpleasantness” when I hear violins in classic music. On that end, I am thinking of installing a capacitor to attenuate frequencies above 20kHz – but this is subjective and not a concern for the other forum colleagues.

Comparison with the Ian Canada Streamer with Holo May KTE DAC duo: TD1 has a wider soundstage. Holo May is more detailed in high frequencies. - the timbre in these frequencies is more accurate and better refined. However, overall, I have to say TD1 is ahead of Holo May.

Beyond soundstage, I praise TD1:

-for its control and well-defined low frequencies. In the beginning of Jethro Tull’s Thick As A Brick there is a melody that piano is accompanied with bass guitar, and it is amazing how well defined, tight and focused are the bass notes.

-for its left right channel separation which itself contributes to the soundstage. One can hear that in Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out For A Hero when drum rhythm distinctly or rather emphatically alternates from one channel to the other.

- for its rhythm and attach and its temping musicality. It is in Meat Loaf’s I'd Do Anything For Love when piano plays together with guitar and both are accompanied by the rhythm of drum which wakes up and exhilarates the listener.

During the time that I stay with TD1, I discover more and more reasons that excite me and give me motivation to love more the music that I like listening so much.
 

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I'm looking for advice about adding a Receiver Pi to my Iancanada stack. It's a "Gabster stack" with a PurePi II, RPi 3b (Volumio), FifoPi Q7II (Accusilicon clocks), HdmiPi Pro II and UcConditioner Pro 3.3V. I would like to be able to input S/PDIF and Toslink.

Two choices are about the same price: the ReceiverPi DDC and the ReceiverPi Pro II. The DDC has an advantage that a USB input can easily be added. But sound quality is at the very top of my agenda. Is there any reason to chose one of these over the other
 
TheodorM
I use 45.1584MHz and 49.1520MHz. The difference is small just like upgrading to the JSS chip from a standard. But to me these small upgrades make a huge difference. Sound stage, separation, clarity, excellent tight base, everything is just slightly better. For me I do not regret the upgrade. They are expensive so if you want buy one and try it out first just figure out the frequency of your best test track and start with that. (look at monitor pro). Give it time to break in. Keep in mind I am new to this and this is just my opinion. Gaby would give better advice. Good luck.
 
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