Hello all.. Long time lurker here. Getting back into audio after much too long of a hiatus and need some help... Been researching DIY DACs and would like some input... Looking for a kit or kits, less than 300 not including chassis ideally... usb is a must... spdif option would be nice. Looking for something solid, well reviewed etc.. Many hours of research hasnt turned up a standout option somehow...... Thanks
Looks to me that 'kit' and 'well reviewed' are mutually exclusive requirements. Reviews that I've read tend to be only of built up, commercially available (and distributed) offerings but perhaps there are a few exceptions?
As much dedication to DIY as there seems to be around here I would hope that this is not the case.... Reviews aside... Obviously any personal experience or recommendations based on actual usage are also welcome!
DIYers tend to place more weight on the experiences of like-minded DIYers than reviewers anyway. As I have some personal experience of DACs let me ask what kinds of music you enjoy listening to? It may have some bearing on the DAC I'd recommend. Also do you favour 'detail' and 'air' in a DAC's presentation or alternatively veer towards dynamics and soundstage? If the former check out the highly regarded Subbu DAC, based on ES9023, if the latter then look towards a DAC with a multibit (sometimes called R2R) chip inside lilke a TDA1543 or TDA1545.
well this may not help you.. I listen to almost everything save rap/hiphop. I go through phases.. Lots of classical, 80s rock/pop, etc etc etc all over the map. I am really not looking for a DAC that has color, I really just want one that doesnt get in the way. Open, clear, accurate representation that doesnt impart or take away from the source and is accurate enough for good imaging/soundstage. I still ahve good hearing and would like to enjoy clean, accurate, easy to listen to highs and mids, and solid lows. My ears fatigue easily with gear that has bad habbits...
Then it seems you like the same kinds of DACs that I like - transparent. An open window rather than tinted glass. Hence I suggest going for a multibit based DAC. Look for designs using chips like PCM63, PCM1702/4, TDA1541/3/5, AD1862/5.
Under 300$, you could do a lot worse than taking a Curryman DAC with a decent USB receiver. Diyinhk.com has some decent options, either the cm6631a or xmos receivers (in isolated versions if you like). You'll also need power supplies (5V and +/12V for the DAC, maybe 3.3V for the receiver), the same diyinhk has some decent kits for that. There was also a group buy for a power supply for the curryman, but I think it's over.
You'll find plenty of reviews of the curryman btw, a quick search will help.
You'll find plenty of reviews of the curryman btw, a quick search will help.
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