Hi,
Am a new builder to digital stuff, would like to get some ideas on the following:
1) Intending to build the SDS Labs Tube DAC, anyone built it before?
Comments and feedback much appreciated.
2) Regarding the CS8412, NPC5843A and PCM63K, does anyone know the current chips or alrernatives, for the abovementioned 3 chips for 24bit operation? Preferably 192kHz.
3) Who does the sales for NPC ?
Many thanks to anyone who helps 🙂
Chua
Am a new builder to digital stuff, would like to get some ideas on the following:
1) Intending to build the SDS Labs Tube DAC, anyone built it before?
Comments and feedback much appreciated.
2) Regarding the CS8412, NPC5843A and PCM63K, does anyone know the current chips or alrernatives, for the abovementioned 3 chips for 24bit operation? Preferably 192kHz.
3) Who does the sales for NPC ?
Many thanks to anyone who helps 🙂
Chua
I've built the exact design and like it very much. I would suggest you play around with the tube output stage.
All the i.c.s used are more or less obselete. For a different sets of parts, I would recommend the following..
a.) CS8412 to CS8414
b.) SM5843 to SM5842
c.) PCM63K to PCM1704K
This will give you the '24 bits resolution'; but, having to do that will no longer be a SDS design.
Going for higher sampling frequency (e.g. 192Khz) doesn't always guarantee good sound. It very much depends on a lot of factors.
If you have problem getting the parts, drop me an e-mail ( I stay just across the check-point). I've some spares around including the SM5843 and PCM63-K. 🙂
All the i.c.s used are more or less obselete. For a different sets of parts, I would recommend the following..
a.) CS8412 to CS8414
b.) SM5843 to SM5842
c.) PCM63K to PCM1704K
This will give you the '24 bits resolution'; but, having to do that will no longer be a SDS design.
Going for higher sampling frequency (e.g. 192Khz) doesn't always guarantee good sound. It very much depends on a lot of factors.
If you have problem getting the parts, drop me an e-mail ( I stay just across the check-point). I've some spares around including the SM5843 and PCM63-K. 🙂
Thanks for the feedback vt4c.
By any chance do you have a spare PCB for the tube DAC? Been looking around for someone to make a PCB at a decent price.
Where did you get the Burr Brown PCM and NPC ICs from? I could only manage to locate the CS ones in Singapore. Another setback I discovered is the transformer, I made an enquiry to Tortech in Australia to have a toroidal custom wound to the SDS specifications and they quoted AU$165. How did you get around substituting the transformer bit?
I understand that "upgrading" the DAC to a 24bit 192kHz design might not improve performance but being a typical Singaporean, I like to got for the latest, fastest things
Ai Pee, Ai Chee, Mai GST, Ai Kao Pin MRT
Regards
Chua
By any chance do you have a spare PCB for the tube DAC? Been looking around for someone to make a PCB at a decent price.
Where did you get the Burr Brown PCM and NPC ICs from? I could only manage to locate the CS ones in Singapore. Another setback I discovered is the transformer, I made an enquiry to Tortech in Australia to have a toroidal custom wound to the SDS specifications and they quoted AU$165. How did you get around substituting the transformer bit?
I understand that "upgrading" the DAC to a 24bit 192kHz design might not improve performance but being a typical Singaporean, I like to got for the latest, fastest things
Ai Pee, Ai Chee, Mai GST, Ai Kao Pin MRTRegards
Chua
Chua,
The double-sided PCB is done entirely by myself. Being home-made, it'll be a pain for you to solder. OTOH, I understand that there is a source in China that sells double-sided PCB; the exact SDS design/layout. In fact, one of my friend who frequent China bought the PCB and successfully build the DAC.
As for the transformer, you can get around it by using toroidal only for all the low voltage supply and a normal E-I core type for HV to the tubes.
Having DIY'ed a few DAC projects, the PCM63K chip is still one of my favourite DAC chip. I'm a believer of low/multi-bit DAC design. 🙂
The double-sided PCB is done entirely by myself. Being home-made, it'll be a pain for you to solder. OTOH, I understand that there is a source in China that sells double-sided PCB; the exact SDS design/layout. In fact, one of my friend who frequent China bought the PCB and successfully build the DAC.
As for the transformer, you can get around it by using toroidal only for all the low voltage supply and a normal E-I core type for HV to the tubes.
Having DIY'ed a few DAC projects, the PCM63K chip is still one of my favourite DAC chip. I'm a believer of low/multi-bit DAC design. 🙂
vt4c said:
The jitter at the output of the input receiver is way to high to even dream about 24 bits resolution........
best
Thanks for the additional info Guido,
Does any one know of a DIY 24bit with at least 96kHz or more ? Hopefully with a non tube SE output. Hopefully with a PCB that I can send for etching or I can buy ready made.
Hope I don't sound ungrateful, you guys have been giving me alot of much appreciated feedback and advice.
Regards
Chua
Does any one know of a DIY 24bit with at least 96kHz or more ? Hopefully with a non tube SE output. Hopefully with a PCB that I can send for etching or I can buy ready made.
Hope I don't sound ungrateful, you guys have been giving me alot of much appreciated feedback and advice.
Regards
Chua
rchua77 said:
Hi Chua
I think there are various designs of DACs. The best to do is build a mix, of good ingredients
Consifder our PLL part,
http://members.chello.nl/~m.heijligers/DAChtml/dactop.htm
and mix it with another DAC chip, like AD1955.
I will be in S'pore around week 31/32 (business)
best regards
- Status
- Not open for further replies.