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modifing 6DJ8 kit for DAC output stage

Hi All,


I have a 6DJ8 tube preamplifier kit that I would like to modify to perform as a tube output stage for a AD1862 DAC chip using a passive ressistor for the I/U conversion.
the AD1862 output is 1ma (+/-).
I'll appreciate your suggstions for optimizing the following schematics.


Cheers
 

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What is R1? Current output DACs have very little voltage compliance (typically +/-0.5V), R1 is certainly a mistake in this context.

The datasheet for the AD1862 explicitly states the output should be to a summing junction at virtual ground - i.e. its explicitly designed for an opamp topology, not a passive resistance. From the datasheet:
The output of the AD1862 is intended to drive the summing junction of an external current-to-voltage conversion op amp. Therefore, the voltage on the output current pin of the AD1862 should be approximately the same as that on the AGND pin of the device.
Alas the meaning of "approximately" isn't given, nor is the voltage compliance spec.

All current output DACs perform most linearly in this mode (summing to virtual ground) anyway.
 
Juancho I’m considering lowering the I/U resistor value even more so there there is a need for the extra gain to get close to 2V output, kindly correct me if I’m wrong.
Where the load resistor should be placed?

Mark what is your suggestion?

Thanks
 
BTW What is the purpose of the resistor marked Rnf (130k)?

I assume it is left over from when this was a Voltage-to-Voltage amplifier. 130K against the 10K input resistor implies a gain of 13V/V. Since tube gain is not a lot more, maybe really a gain of 10 or 7 V/V. A reasonable line-amp.

> optimizing the following schematics.

An I/V amp is really a different thing than a V/V amp.

But I guess you HAVE a circuit board and parts in hand. And you may not want to tear them up and do it another way. And yes, passive resistor for the I/U conversion can work fine. Do this:
 

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I removed the 100uf capacitor (as I understand it's a bypass capacitor) , as far as I know a bypass capacitor should change the gain and output impedance, is it a bypass capacitor?
I'm asking because I couldn't hear any difference and there is no change in the gain.
 
If I understand correctly the drawing is basically a common cathode circuit connected to a cathode follower, if it is correct then shouldn't R4 and R5 be connected the otherway around so R4 will be connected to the cathode as a bias resistor (Rb) and R5 connected to the R4 junction and ground to act as Rk resistor?
 
Thanks.
I soldered the I/U resistor (SMD resistor) directly on the AD1862 I out and AGND legs and added a Rg 300K ressistor between the input and GND and changed the output capacitor to 3uF.

How do you think I can optimize this circuit further?
I noticed that in quiet tracks or when there is silence between tracks I can hear background noise, what can be the reason for that noise?
 

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Last edited:
Question:
Why do you have positive feedback introduced from the cathode follower to the cathode of the first stage ECC88 (pin 3)?

It seems to me the problem here is an excess of gain.

Why not connect R5 from U2 pin 8 straight to ground, and connect R4 straight from U1 pin 3 to ground? That way you get a little cathode degeneration into U1, reducing the gain a bit, and lowering THD a bit.

U1 is driving the grid of the cathode follower U2, which has a very high input impedance. Therefore, the increase in rp of U1 from cathode degeneration is a non-issue.

Or maybe I'm completely off base here. Just curious...
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