Audiolab Q-DAC

[andrew_whitham]

Hello

Thread created to document 'upgrades' to an Audiolab Q-DAC. Hopefully useful to others by the end

This is apparently the M-DACs poorer sibling, but it has proper 8 pin DIP output op-amps and enough functionality to also pose as a pre-amp

This thing wasn't super expensive on a well known auction site so I went for it. I swapped out my STAX DAC talent and the initial reaction was 'meh, well at least it works'

After a week or so of listening it was time to "pop the hood"

So Pictures!!

Andy

 

[andrew_whitham]

So here follows a slightly incomplete list of electrolytic Capacitors - MM means 'obstructed couldn't see the value' and I didn't bother with the USB daughterboard (it's 220at 16v)

470uF/6.3v on a 5v line? = 🤮

The polymer 4v ones around the DAC look fine though

C	uF	Volt
2	1000	4
4	1000	4
6	1000	4
8	1000	4
10	1000	4
12	1000	4
14	1000	4
16	1000	4
18	1000	4
20	1000	4
22	100	25
26	470	6.3
29	470	6.3
31	100	25
35	470	6.3
41	470	6.3
44	470	6.3
49	1000	4
58	100	25
62	100	25
64	100	25
67	mm	mm
69	470	6.3
85	470	6.3
87	470	6.3
89	470	6.3
104	470	6.3
112	470	6.3
138	4700	16
140	4700	16
144	100	25
146	100	25
147	470	6.3
152	4700	16
153	4700	16
162	4700	16
166	4700	16
187	4700	25
188	4700	25
189	4700	25
196	100	25
201	470	6.3
205	470	6.3
221	470	6.3

things to do...

Andy