Audiosector USB DAC

[Peter Daniel]

The SPDIF DAC has been around since 2005 and there are few reviews on 6moons, most recent one here: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/audiozone5/system.html

The USB DAC was introduced last year and it's basically same circuit with exception of input interface which converts USB signal directly to I2S.

The Premium kit (with Black Gates) is USD$250, transformer additional $30 and Cardas dual RCA $20.

The DAC is also available as assembled and tested circuit, mounted on wooden board, at $80 more.

See attached pics for details. User comments can be found here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=56975.0

 

[Peter Daniel]

For those interested in SPDIF version of a DAC, it's also available at USD$280 (kit version, Cardas RCA and transformer are extra)

 

[ra7]

love the rca jacks... neat!

 

[Peter Daniel]

While I offer complete chassis for the DACs, quite popular became partial enclosure,`with just acrylic top. One just shipped today.

 

[manollo]

Hi Peter
My name is Manolis and I am from Greece
I read al ot of your work at the audiophile forums and i would like to try your usb dac ( and mabe later your amps...)
Bytheway if I have understand right the price for the dac (assembled and tested ) is 380 USD?
My email is hatzoglu@yahoo.gr

I will wait your responce as soon as possible you can..

Regards
Manolis

 

[Peter Daniel]

Yes, the price is correct.

In order to keep best performance, either USB or SPDIF versions are available separately only. You can however, stack two DACs, boards powering them off a single supply.

 

[HiVi1120]

Good

 

[manollo]

This solution for two dacs how much it cost, Peter?
And also the schematec of the SPDIF DACi s the same as in the review at the http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/audiozone5/system.html ?

 

[Peter Daniel]

Yes, the kit I offer here is exactly the same as Audiozone DAC featured in 6moons review.

The stacked DAC solution, will cost basically the same as two DACs, less one transformer, 8 rectifiers and 2 x BG STD 1000/25 caps ($55)

 

[serenechaos]

I recieved a USB kit (looked to be in good shape), assembled everything, and used it for a few days. Worked very well, good sound!

Then-- something quit working...
The computer no longer recognizes the DAC.
Re-cked all solder joints, ck'ed continuity to components from DAC input to chip; all good.
Where else to look?
Bad chip?

Thanks,
Robert

 

[mattmcl]

Have you tried installing something else in the USB port on the computer, to make sure it's working? I've had USB ports go bad before and it's an easy thing to check.

 

[Peter Daniel]

It's rarely a hardware problem, most likely it's related to software/interface. Some people experienced similar problems in a past, especially after sudden power disruption during a storm, etc.

Switch everything off, wait an hour or so, connect USB cable to a DAC and power on the DAC first. Then power on computer.

If you can't make it work, ship it to me and I will check it out.

For more info on system configuration, I recommend this link: The Art of building Computer Transports

 

[serenechaos]

Yes, tried a couple other, different DACs, back to using one of them now.
Tried other USB ports.
Tried a different computer.
Tried power on to DAC first, computer off for an hour, a day, a couple days.

There have been sudden power disruptions from storms.
Maybe need a UPS for this circuit?

I'll ck out the website, & if I still can't figure out anything ship it to you (Peter),
Thanks again,
r

 

[MANOLIS123]

Spdf dac

Just today I received the SPDF dac and from the first hour it sounds marvelous...
I think that is the best DAC in my system since today!!..
It excels my Lavry DA 10 dac very easily in all points

Thanks again for this "best buy" product
Manolis

 

[Tea-Bag]

Have had my kit running for awhile. Lost the schematic,
Can someone tell me what resistor to put and where for the LED to work?

Thanks!

 

[Peter Daniel]

Put the LED across one of those large black caps. It is approx 12V there and here's how to calculate the series resistor: LED calculator for single LEDs

 

[HKC]

Hi

I am currently using the USB Dac. I would like to know is there any way to keep the USB input but modify to balanced output as I am going to up grade my entire stereo system from single ended to balanced. Please advice.

 

[Peter Daniel]

Yes, you can easily do that. Please see attached schematic posted by dddac, of course you don't need to use 12x TDA1543, but a single one:

 

[HKC]

Hi Peter

Thank you for posting the schematic. It is very interesting.
Do you have the link for me to take a look of the complete dddac article?

Best Regards

 

[HKC]

Hi Peter

I got this schematic from the web it looks very similar to the one you posted but no output transformers. Please comment.