While I am not new to DIY audio equipment, I am newer to this forum (I've been a member for just over 3 months). In these last three months I have already accumulated quite the pile of shame. I have pretty much been a part of every single group buy since I joined and picked up other projects along the way. With a backlog of projects I found my self continuing to purchase new projects to do “down the line” versus completing the ones I already have. So, I have created this thread to hopefully stay focused, I blame the ADHD, and build what I will consider the central point of my audio system(s).
Nothing I have planned is set in stone and would love feed back from the community. There are Probably some oversights that I have yet to encounter.
The Preamp controls I have decided to go with John's Preamp Control boards. I have the boards and parts in hand to assemble and test. I like the layout and the functions of the front panel display and controls. Including the feature of being able to use a remote control.
The preamp section I think I am going to go with the Omicron. Due to its size, affordability, performance, and the ability to act as an HPA and a preamp. I think this fits the bill nicely. I have these almost fully assembled, I am missing a transformer and some random bits that I missed on my Mouser order.
The DAC portion of this project I have decided to go with a project from @abraxalito. After much Success and enjoyment from my competition of his Abbado II project, I'd like to implement more of his work into this build. I also will more than likely be getting another I2S input board/selector that I used in my Abbado II build.
I have begun to start on a front and rear panel design in FPD. Its nothing to special as I'm still relatively new to this program. I have decided to go with the Modushop 2U Pesante 02P400B. The internal dimensions of 400mm x 430mm x 80mm should be plenty to fit everything I need inside.
The Omicron uses SE inputs on the board, which works if I'm using SE inputs but what if I am using balanced?
I thought of using the Universal Buffer from Neurochrome, but I have to set up a switch to change from either SE to balanced on top of needing a buffer before and after the omicron. I don't think this is that great of a option, but I am open to ideas.
Attached below is a capture of my front and rear panel ideas and the preamp control boards plus omicron and its PSU. The front panels and rear panels are done for all the options I have decided on (This will change if I go a different route with anything)
Rear panel has the first input removed since the DAC will be internally wired to it, Then the three other inputs the Outputs, the I2S input selection for the DAC, IEC connector.
Front Panel has the preamp controls, volume, input, selection, display, and LED for showing which input is selected. There is then a mirrored side with the input selection for I2S. Crossfeed switch for the Omicron, Power switch, and the headphone jack.
Thanks for reading! I'll post updates as they occur. If anyone has any ideas for this project please post them! I am open to them!
Nothing I have planned is set in stone and would love feed back from the community. There are Probably some oversights that I have yet to encounter.
With that being said what are my goals with the preamp?
- Support multiple projects by other forum members
- Learn a bunch of stuff along the way
- Unintentionally be overly complicated? Probably.
- An Internal DAC on Input 1
- DAC with USB, optical, and possibly other inputs
- With the DAC on IN1 I want at least 3 additional Inputs
- Inputs 2-4 must support XLR and RCA
- Some sort of front panel display even if it's simple
- Front panel power switch
- Headphone Jack
- A well-designed front panel with simple controls
- With the final goal of having fun with it. That is the point after all?
What have I decided on so far?
The Preamp controls I have decided to go with John's Preamp Control boards. I have the boards and parts in hand to assemble and test. I like the layout and the functions of the front panel display and controls. Including the feature of being able to use a remote control.
The preamp section I think I am going to go with the Omicron. Due to its size, affordability, performance, and the ability to act as an HPA and a preamp. I think this fits the bill nicely. I have these almost fully assembled, I am missing a transformer and some random bits that I missed on my Mouser order.
The DAC portion of this project I have decided to go with a project from @abraxalito. After much Success and enjoyment from my competition of his Abbado II project, I'd like to implement more of his work into this build. I also will more than likely be getting another I2S input board/selector that I used in my Abbado II build.
I have begun to start on a front and rear panel design in FPD. Its nothing to special as I'm still relatively new to this program. I have decided to go with the Modushop 2U Pesante 02P400B. The internal dimensions of 400mm x 430mm x 80mm should be plenty to fit everything I need inside.
Issues that I thought of while writing this thread:
The Omicron uses SE inputs on the board, which works if I'm using SE inputs but what if I am using balanced?
I thought of using the Universal Buffer from Neurochrome, but I have to set up a switch to change from either SE to balanced on top of needing a buffer before and after the omicron. I don't think this is that great of a option, but I am open to ideas.
Attached below is a capture of my front and rear panel ideas and the preamp control boards plus omicron and its PSU. The front panels and rear panels are done for all the options I have decided on (This will change if I go a different route with anything)
Rear panel has the first input removed since the DAC will be internally wired to it, Then the three other inputs the Outputs, the I2S input selection for the DAC, IEC connector.
Front Panel has the preamp controls, volume, input, selection, display, and LED for showing which input is selected. There is then a mirrored side with the input selection for I2S. Crossfeed switch for the Omicron, Power switch, and the headphone jack.
Thanks for reading! I'll post updates as they occur. If anyone has any ideas for this project please post them! I am open to them!
