Building a DAC

[ballsingtripp]

Hello

I've built a few modular synths, headphone amps, and other relatively easy stuff over the past year, and now I'm feeling ambitious enough to build a D/A converter.

I have a very minimal amount of knowledge of how they work (in detail), but plenty of knowledge of their function (and digital audio in general).

I'll need s/pdif input, up to 24/96 conversion, and a headphone amp. I'll be using the s/pdif out of a Presonus Firebox with Live and Logic.

So, with soldering experience, lots of time, and a couple hundred bucks, where do I start?

 

[rfbrw]

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59357&highlight=

 

[ballsingtripp]

I think that might be too elaborate for a first DAC project..

I was thinking something more like this:
http://sound.westhost.com/project85.htm

What do you think?

 

[rfbrw]

Assuming you can get the parts, that is as good a place as any to start but for something more recent and a little more complex try these.

Ezdac threads:
My first DAC attempt...PCB help needed
EZDAC is singing now!!!

Microdac thread:
Micro DIR9001 + PCM1794A DAC

 

[baldrick]

The EZDAC is surprisingly easy to build (once you perfect your SMD skills, that is)

OK, the EZDAC is conceptually very easy to build....the execution requires patience, a steady hand, a very fine soldering iron tip, and a temperature controlled iron.

But hey, I built one, and that's saying something.