Hi,
I have been looking around at DAC's and if I am honest I am getting a little lost by all the different types etc there seems to be. I am after a DAC to connect to my PC so I can play my FLAC files on my hifi. At the moment I am playing it through my onboard soundcard so as you can guess the quality isn't the best!
What DIY dacs do people recommend? I had seen ones like the Bantam DAC though I have seen the Gigaworks ebay DAC's spoken about a lot. Would it be easier to modify a dac than to build from scratch? I'm not wanting to spend a huge amount too if I am honest, certainly wouldn't want to go too far north of $100.
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
I have been looking around at DAC's and if I am honest I am getting a little lost by all the different types etc there seems to be. I am after a DAC to connect to my PC so I can play my FLAC files on my hifi. At the moment I am playing it through my onboard soundcard so as you can guess the quality isn't the best!
What DIY dacs do people recommend? I had seen ones like the Bantam DAC though I have seen the Gigaworks ebay DAC's spoken about a lot. Would it be easier to modify a dac than to build from scratch? I'm not wanting to spend a huge amount too if I am honest, certainly wouldn't want to go too far north of $100.
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Hi
Do you intend to use S/PDIF / optical or USB? Generally speaking S/PDIF / opt is better if you can. It would be cheaper and easier for you to get a kit from ebay rather than building from scratch.
The Gigaworks 'Big' DAC is is a superb value for money. Great sound and a good start to DIY and will cater for all input types. However with a decent case and connectors you will be closer to $150. Then after a while you may want to upgrade the op-amps and ultimately convert to using output transformers which really take the DAC into the high end league.
The Big DAC is available from two sellers on ebay:
Hi End 24/192 DAC DA CONVERTER CS8416+CS8421+CS4398 USB on eBay (end time 19-Aug-10 18:49:58 BST)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/UP-SAMPLING-2...ansformer-/140429816713?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0
A huge thread on tweaking this DAC is here:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-line-level/137976-experience-diy-dac.html
Alternatively for less money is this one:
High Grade 24bit/192khz DAC with fully assembled kits on eBay (end time 29-Aug-10 10:48:28 BST)
Supposed to very good and also has it's own discussion thread:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-line-level/164299-new-small-diy-gigawork-dac.html
If you want more detailed advice regarding the Big DAC feel free to send me a PM (click on my name and choose 'send personal message').
Do you intend to use S/PDIF / optical or USB? Generally speaking S/PDIF / opt is better if you can. It would be cheaper and easier for you to get a kit from ebay rather than building from scratch.
The Gigaworks 'Big' DAC is is a superb value for money. Great sound and a good start to DIY and will cater for all input types. However with a decent case and connectors you will be closer to $150. Then after a while you may want to upgrade the op-amps and ultimately convert to using output transformers which really take the DAC into the high end league.
The Big DAC is available from two sellers on ebay:
Hi End 24/192 DAC DA CONVERTER CS8416+CS8421+CS4398 USB on eBay (end time 19-Aug-10 18:49:58 BST)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/UP-SAMPLING-2...ansformer-/140429816713?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0
A huge thread on tweaking this DAC is here:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-line-level/137976-experience-diy-dac.html
Alternatively for less money is this one:
High Grade 24bit/192khz DAC with fully assembled kits on eBay (end time 29-Aug-10 10:48:28 BST)
Supposed to very good and also has it's own discussion thread:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-line-level/164299-new-small-diy-gigawork-dac.html
If you want more detailed advice regarding the Big DAC feel free to send me a PM (click on my name and choose 'send personal message').
RichLund,
Is the lower priced DAC that's on eBay all-inclusive? IOW, is there anything else needed to use it? And do you know if will work with 120VAC? Thanks for all the info you posted.
Mike
Is the lower priced DAC that's on eBay all-inclusive? IOW, is there anything else needed to use it? And do you know if will work with 120VAC? Thanks for all the info you posted.
Mike
Code:
This is an assembled KIT
& Come with a High quality Encapsulated Power Transformers
Code:
2. Come with High quality Encapsulated Power Transformers x1pcs ( 110V or 220V )Then you need a box...
If you want to modify it, have a look at the thread that RichLund gave :
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-line-level/164299-new-small-diy-gigawork-dac.html
[edit] And yes, you need cables. For power supply too (standard computer power supply cable)
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Hi Mike
Yes It's pretty much all inclusive apart from the case to put it in. And yes it comes with a transformer that will work with 120 or 240V if you ask.
It really is plug and play. You will need either a S/PDIF coax or optical cable from your source to your DAC. If your'e in the states you can get a Blue jeans cable which are very good for the money:
Digital Audio Cables at Blue Jeans Cable
Or cheap one off ebay to get you started but it's worth spending a few extra bucks on the cable to benefit. Get one at least 1 metre in length.
Yes It's pretty much all inclusive apart from the case to put it in. And yes it comes with a transformer that will work with 120 or 240V if you ask.
It really is plug and play. You will need either a S/PDIF coax or optical cable from your source to your DAC. If your'e in the states you can get a Blue jeans cable which are very good for the money:
Digital Audio Cables at Blue Jeans Cable
Or cheap one off ebay to get you started but it's worth spending a few extra bucks on the cable to benefit. Get one at least 1 metre in length.
Thanks for the info RichLund,
Another question though... I'll be using my laptop for my source; what type of output connection is required on my computer? All I have is the regular 3.5mm headphone jack, USB, and firewire.
Thanks again,
Mike
Ah, is it a Mac? If so you can use a special s/pdif cable from the audio out socket.
If it's a normal Windows laptop you can use the USB port - BUT this small DAC doesn't have USB input. You will need to get the 'Big' DAC mentioned above.
The 3.5mm headphone socket isn't suitable for digital output I'm afraid.
edit: You can do a search on ebay for loads of usb capable ready made DAC's. Some good, some average. But then this is a DIY forum and you will probably want to assemble your own. If so you won't get better value than the 'Big' DAC. It's really up to you.
If it's a normal Windows laptop you can use the USB port - BUT this small DAC doesn't have USB input. You will need to get the 'Big' DAC mentioned above.
The 3.5mm headphone socket isn't suitable for digital output I'm afraid.
edit: You can do a search on ebay for loads of usb capable ready made DAC's. Some good, some average. But then this is a DIY forum and you will probably want to assemble your own. If so you won't get better value than the 'Big' DAC. It's really up to you.
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OK, another reason to replace my 3 year old laptop (PC, normal Windows laptop). I'll make sure I get one with a digital audio out.
Thanks for all your help, RichLund.
Mike
Thanks for all your help, RichLund.
Mike
Yes, to be fair I always forget about the AMB kits. They look very good.
The Gamma 2 might be better still:
The γ1 Modular Miniature DAC
The γ2 Compact High Performance DAC
The Gamma 2 might be better still:
The γ1 Modular Miniature DAC
The γ2 Compact High Performance DAC
I'm pondering building one of them, It's going to go along with a beta 22 I'm slowly piecing together. I would just want to replace the output coupling capacitors with a bypass circuit that doesn't have caps in the signal path. I think that it would be much easier to achieve this with the γ2, except for the fact that i have no clue how to modify the schematic.
Good advice Rich,
And to get an idea of the capability of the Big Dac, go to the Decware site and check out their new Dac. It is a Gigawork upsampling dac complete with R core power transformer stuffed into a very pedestrian case. They are selling them for $875, go figure. They claim to have made many mods to it, but I can see none.
OH MY GOD, it's true, I don't believe it at first, but after I download the manual, it's the same DAC, the only difference is Decware changed the op-amp from NE5532 to LT1361 and painted the DAC board to blue（SO UGLY）, that's all, and they sell $875, how can they do this?
DacWare：
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Origin：
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Wow thanks Richlund! I am actually from the uk too. Anywhere you suggest to get cables from? I actually have a spdif on my pc, so I could go for the smaller cheaper one, will have to look when I'm on a pc, just on my phone at the moment. I remember reading how changing the opamps on the big dac really helped a lot.
Also one last thing, where is the best place to get cases in the uk? Many thanks.
Also one last thing, where is the best place to get cases in the uk? Many thanks.
Wow thanks Richlund! I am actually from the uk too. Anywhere you suggest to get cables from? I actually have a spdif on my pc, so I could go for the smaller cheaper one, will have to look when I'm on a pc, just on my phone at the moment. I remember reading how changing the opamps on the big dac really helped a lot.
Also one last thing, where is the best place to get cases in the uk? Many thanks.
Very interesting with that expensive dac using the same hardware!
Also one last thing, where is the best place to get cases in the uk? Many thanks.
Very interesting with that expensive dac using the same hardware!
Hi Saitrix
If your'e in the good 'ol Great Of Britain then definitely get some of Mark grant's cables. For the money it's stupid to pay more:
Digital Cables : AV Cables and Interconnects, UK Cables Shop
A far as I know there is nowhere in the UK to get decent HiFi cases. But, I highly recommend Modushop in Italy. Good prices and quick service. For the Big DAC the Galaxy Maggiorito 230 x 280mm case is a perfect fit. And with a 10mm front looks superb, Silver or black, but a standard 3mm also looks good. You'll have to buy the DAC and measure the size you need:
modushop.biz
Very nice case on ebay too:
High-End Solid Aluminum Case for DIY Audio Equipment on eBay (end time 17-Sep-10 10:10:52 BST)
It is shocking that Decware is selling that Chinese DAC for such a ridiculous price. I have the same DAC and have modified it beyond recognition. And have no doubt that it sounds way better than the Decware overpriced offering.
Do take the time to read the discussion thread if you're thinking of modifying the DAC. Banzai or Farnell are good for op-amps and bits.
Rich
If your'e in the good 'ol Great Of Britain then definitely get some of Mark grant's cables. For the money it's stupid to pay more:
Digital Cables : AV Cables and Interconnects, UK Cables Shop
A far as I know there is nowhere in the UK to get decent HiFi cases. But, I highly recommend Modushop in Italy. Good prices and quick service. For the Big DAC the Galaxy Maggiorito 230 x 280mm case is a perfect fit. And with a 10mm front looks superb, Silver or black, but a standard 3mm also looks good. You'll have to buy the DAC and measure the size you need:
modushop.biz
Very nice case on ebay too:
High-End Solid Aluminum Case for DIY Audio Equipment on eBay (end time 17-Sep-10 10:10:52 BST)
It is shocking that Decware is selling that Chinese DAC for such a ridiculous price. I have the same DAC and have modified it beyond recognition. And have no doubt that it sounds way better than the Decware overpriced offering.
Do take the time to read the discussion thread if you're thinking of modifying the DAC. Banzai or Farnell are good for op-amps and bits.
Rich
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Awesome, thanks again for the links. If I am honest the new smaller one looks like the one I will go for. Don't think I will do as involved mods as some of you guys do! Still looks easy to swap things like opamps etc on it too.
No worries. A word of caution - once the DIY upgrade bug bites, there's no turning back! Theres always more things to try. The beauty of these relatively inexpensive kits is that if you bodge something then it's no heartbreak to buy another... buy two just in case!
The op-amps are a good place to start and then if your'e up for it, improve the power supply with high quality regulators etc. Anything you need to know, ask here or PM.
Rich
The op-amps are a good place to start and then if your'e up for it, improve the power supply with high quality regulators etc. Anything you need to know, ask here or PM.
Rich
Hi all, I'm going to hijack this as I've posted a thread that includes this Dac connected to a PS3. I've just ordered one from ebay. The Op-amps are straightforward enough but, as I'm very new to it all, what are the next two things to upgrade and is there a chance of an "idiots guide" with pictures etc please.
From Ebay I ordered a
New 24/192 DAC DA CONVERTER CS8416+CS8421+CS4398 USB
A big ask I know but I'm hopefull I'm in the right place.
Nathan
From Ebay I ordered a
New 24/192 DAC DA CONVERTER CS8416+CS8421+CS4398 USB
A big ask I know but I'm hopefull I'm in the right place.
Nathan
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