I'm creating a fresh thread to document the progress of my project with Marcel's RTZ DAC.
The original information about the RTZ DAC is here.
I was one of the first builders of the RTZ DAC after listening to Marcel's prototype, which he kindly loaned to me. Two of my fellow UK-based audio DIYers have built DACs to the RTZ design based on hearing the prototype when I took it to a UK meet-up. I'm currently without an RTZ DAC as I have supplied the boards I assembled to others.
I also have Marcel's Valve DAC and ppy's DSC2 DAC as reference points.
In the next few weeks I plan to built two identical RTZ DAC boards - eventually they'll find themselves used in different ystems but in the short term I plan to explore using the DACs with a variety of input arrangements, power supplies and output filters and report my personal perceptions/preferences. Having two identical boards will provide me with a reference point.
Input options I have available include;
I currently have available the original output filter and the simplified version and in time plan to explore some additional modification options.
Anyway, the first thing is to borrow a reflow oven and get the two RTZ DAC boards assembled, hopefully in the next 2-3weeks.
The original information about the RTZ DAC is here.
I was one of the first builders of the RTZ DAC after listening to Marcel's prototype, which he kindly loaned to me. Two of my fellow UK-based audio DIYers have built DACs to the RTZ design based on hearing the prototype when I took it to a UK meet-up. I'm currently without an RTZ DAC as I have supplied the boards I assembled to others.
I also have Marcel's Valve DAC and ppy's DSC2 DAC as reference points.
In the next few weeks I plan to built two identical RTZ DAC boards - eventually they'll find themselves used in different ystems but in the short term I plan to explore using the DACs with a variety of input arrangements, power supplies and output filters and report my personal perceptions/preferences. Having two identical boards will provide me with a reference point.
Input options I have available include;
- Beaglebone Black with ppy's reclocker
- Beaglebone Black with ppy's DSD'it resampler
- Beaglebone Black with TPA Hermes/Cronus reclocker
- Amanero clone with PCM2DSD resampler
- JLSounds i2soverUSB reclocker
I currently have available the original output filter and the simplified version and in time plan to explore some additional modification options.
Anyway, the first thing is to borrow a reflow oven and get the two RTZ DAC boards assembled, hopefully in the next 2-3weeks.
No progress to report I'm afraid; I have taken a break from audio projects due to work and family matters, plus we've had some summer weather to enjoy. The only DIY audio I've been working on is putting together a first vinyl system for my twenty-something niece, which has meant refurbishing a Dual 505-2 turntable and recapping an Arcam Alpha 2 integrated amp - she loves the prospect of owning a retro-system that's around twice her age!
I'm slowly starting to get turn my head in the direction of my other project backlog - I'll probably start with building the PowerDAC as I'm curious to try it.
I'm slowly starting to get turn my head in the direction of my other project backlog - I'll probably start with building the PowerDAC as I'm curious to try it.
Sounds like interesting projects.
Let me just ask you a question.
I have a selfmade NoDac and a DSC2.6 so I know how good these DSD dacs can sound, but if you should advise me ( I am a capable diy man) should I make the raw DSD tube dac or RTZ Firdac (tube dac is also a RTZ dac)?
Thanks
Let me just ask you a question.
I have a selfmade NoDac and a DSC2.6 so I know how good these DSD dacs can sound, but if you should advise me ( I am a capable diy man) should I make the raw DSD tube dac or RTZ Firdac (tube dac is also a RTZ dac)?
Thanks
Hi @koldby, that's a hard question to answer, a bit like asking who your favourite child is! They're both amazingly good but just a little different and I would recommend trying both if that was possible, however, on practical rounds I suggest Marcel's RTZ, simply because obtaining the PCBs is much simpler and more affordable - IIRC a minimum order of five ValveDAC PCBs will likely cost hundreds of dollars. I hope that helps
If considering Marcel's RTZ dac, maybe worth taking a look at: https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/general-purpose-dac-clock-board.413001/post-7757239
Also, I'm still waiting to hear back how some other folks are coming along with their projects. Would also say that I would recommend Iancanada clocks or better, as versus off the self clocks such as Accusilicon, Crystek, and or NDK SDA. IME, the RTZ dac does appear to be responsive to quality of clocking. I'm also using a SE output stage (despite understanding why balanced is presumed to be better).
Also, I'm still waiting to hear back how some other folks are coming along with their projects. Would also say that I would recommend Iancanada clocks or better, as versus off the self clocks such as Accusilicon, Crystek, and or NDK SDA. IME, the RTZ dac does appear to be responsive to quality of clocking. I'm also using a SE output stage (despite understanding why balanced is presumed to be better).
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(tube dac is also a RTZ dac)?
It is, although I suspect that its return-to-zero function is less effective than that of the RTZ shift register DAC due to incomplete settling issues.
Thanks for all the inputs.
If the sonic différence is small, I can certainly see the benefits from starting with the non- valve RTZ (to avoid calling it the solid state RTZ wich ,I belive is quire another beast😁) even though I would love to have e the tube glow, being an old tube guy myself.
What about the availability of PCB to RTZ version?
Anybody has som spare?
Very interesting.
If the sonic différence is small, I can certainly see the benefits from starting with the non- valve RTZ (to avoid calling it the solid state RTZ wich ,I belive is quire another beast😁) even though I would love to have e the tube glow, being an old tube guy myself.
What about the availability of PCB to RTZ version?
Anybody has som spare?
Thanks Markw4.If considering Marcel's RTZ dac, maybe worth taking a look at: https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/general-purpose-dac-clock-board.413001/post-7757239
Also, I'm still waiting to hear back how some other folks are coming along with their projects. Would also say that I would recommend Iancanada clocks or better, as versus off the self clocks such as Accusilicon, Crystek, and or NDK SDA. IME, the RTZ dac does appear to be responsive to quality of clocking. I'm also using a SE output stage (despite understanding why balanced is presumed to be better).
Very interesting.
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