More photos of my Subbu S/PDIF DAC build
I thought I'd share my implementation of the DAC. It's part of a preamplifier/ control center containing an Elliott Sounds Products (ESP) preamplifier, ESP active X-over, ESP 15V power supply and a Twisted Pear USB DAC. It's enclosure, made by me from aluminum sheet metal, is above some fuses and power wires. I'm using a TOSLINK input module powered by the 9V battery. Notice my Velleman benchtop power supply sitting on top of the case. Of course, this is temporary until the power supply boards arrive.
The sound? I'm listening to Windows lossless files through my computer. I'm using Carlos Mergulhao's DX Blame driving a pair of Vandersteen 3's.
I don't have a good reference to which to compare it, as my Twisted Pear mysteriously stopped working months ago, and I've gotten accustomed to my computer's analog out🙁.
First thing I noticed was that sound was a bit muffled and lacked detail - maybe rolled off at the highs a bit? Next thing I noticed was that many notes and drums seem to have more "punch" like maybe a faster attack. Then I noticed a big improvement in channel separation. It's hard to give subjective impressions when I'm accustomed to listening to bad (computer's analog out) sound, and don't have anything good to which to compare it. Also, note that I still haven't replaced C8 or C19 yet.
That's it for me! I'm looking forward to the power supply boards!
I thought I'd share my implementation of the DAC. It's part of a preamplifier/ control center containing an Elliott Sounds Products (ESP) preamplifier, ESP active X-over, ESP 15V power supply and a Twisted Pear USB DAC. It's enclosure, made by me from aluminum sheet metal, is above some fuses and power wires. I'm using a TOSLINK input module powered by the 9V battery. Notice my Velleman benchtop power supply sitting on top of the case. Of course, this is temporary until the power supply boards arrive.
The sound? I'm listening to Windows lossless files through my computer. I'm using Carlos Mergulhao's DX Blame driving a pair of Vandersteen 3's.
I don't have a good reference to which to compare it, as my Twisted Pear mysteriously stopped working months ago, and I've gotten accustomed to my computer's analog out🙁.
First thing I noticed was that sound was a bit muffled and lacked detail - maybe rolled off at the highs a bit? Next thing I noticed was that many notes and drums seem to have more "punch" like maybe a faster attack. Then I noticed a big improvement in channel separation. It's hard to give subjective impressions when I'm accustomed to listening to bad (computer's analog out) sound, and don't have anything good to which to compare it. Also, note that I still haven't replaced C8 or C19 yet.
That's it for me! I'm looking forward to the power supply boards!
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Not something I recognize of the Subbu DAC but, as said before, it needs some time to break in.
Just a quick note: Mouser is out of the oscillator (Crystek Corp #C3391-50.000) and doesn't expect shipping until November 7. The 4.99KR resistor (Panasonic #667-ERA-6AEB4991) which I think is for the power supply is also out of stock, and is expected to ship Nov 12.
There are just too many of us, and we're depleting the world's supply of components!
There are just too many of us, and we're depleting the world's supply of components!
Your'e right, 50MHz oscillators are out of stock, estimated delivery November 6.
Don't worry about resistors, substitutes are available 😉
Don't worry about resistors, substitutes are available 😉
Hi, I added myself to the "magic spreadsheet" for 1 board and DAC cause I'm curious to test this great DAC that so many are satisfied with;
Thanks goes to the designers Jean Paul & Subbu and the organizer who makes possible for us to participate in this group-buy!
Thanks goes to the designers Jean Paul & Subbu and the organizer who makes possible for us to participate in this group-buy!
There should be enough of Euroquartz XO91 50mhz available from element14 if we need alternative, it is listed for US$5.65 each.
50.000MHZ XO91050UITA - EUROQUARTZ - OSC, 5X7MM, SMD, CER, 50.000MHZ | Farnell United Kingdom
Finally built one of my dacs (been unwell). It's fantastic . Have it running straight into my power amp via a penny & giles pot , currently powered by a temporary 5v linear supply . Fed by an original a8t cd player - this dac wipes the floor with the output stage built into the cd player . About to give it a whirl with my squeezebox touch . A massive thank you to Subbu and jean Paul. Superb fidelity at a knock down price . Power amp is a doug self 30w trimodal , which is only ever in class a . Speakers are sd acoustics sd5r , if anyone is interested ! Back to the music ...
Oh and a massive thank to you Phil (korben) - building was easy due to the well arranged bag of parts . Thanks again. DIY audio at its best
Hi I have used those with good results. They consume way less power than the Fox types and thus stress the power supply less. I don't have any measurement equipment to measure jitter but I like them.
Nice build. I am glad you like the design. You used a tad too much solder at some resistors and please clean the board. Enjoy it !
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Yes was built in a rush I know . I'm pretty good at smd but had little time and the incorrect solder & tip in my pace iron (too thick). My 2nd one will be perfect 🙂
Can anyone point me to where i can find some information about the balanced version. i still have 6 board to play with 😀.
Any major benefits from the balanced version?
Any major benefits from the balanced version?
I made a small change and relocated the 3 x 51R (R7,R8 and R9) to a small adaptor card to allow unplugging of the s/pdif section when I wanted so I can connect a USB-I2S module here.
Also did anyone try using small value film cap with less than few uF at C9 and C32 ? How's the result ?
I never replied to this question, sorry.
This is one example of a smaller edge connector / terminal block that would certainly work:
ED555/2DS On Shore Technology Inc | ED1514-ND | DigiKey
This link hopefully leads to a whole page with connectors that fit the bill:
Connectors, Interconnects | Terminal Blocks - Wire to Board | DigiKey
This is one example of a smaller edge connector / terminal block that would certainly work:
ED555/2DS On Shore Technology Inc | ED1514-ND | DigiKey
This link hopefully leads to a whole page with connectors that fit the bill:
Connectors, Interconnects | Terminal Blocks - Wire to Board | DigiKey
Hi grufti, for the V3 we changed over to Molex KK for SPDIF and L + R out. Screw terminal stayed for the 5 V power connection. Please note that all these changes still might change !
Those smaller screw type terminal blocks will work for the 5V power connection just fine. The large green monster look so strange on a small smt circuit board.
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