Are there any DACs (NOS or not, DIY or OTS) that match the tpa3116's performance-per-price ratio?
The tpa311x amps have me looking for the equivalent $200-or-less DAC...
ES9023 is the new TDA1543 😉
It is a recent chip with quite a good performance-per-price ratio. There are better chips out there but that will make the complete DAC a more expensive project as they need more power supplies, an output stage etc. Don't get misguided by anti-Delta Sigma sentiments as it is the end result that counts whatever technology is used. I often notice melancholy/nostalgia when older audio gear or parts are discussed. Nice but some things do get better like, for instance, ultrafast diodes and electrolytic caps. Who would have thought class D would evolve to what TPA3116 is today ?
BTW I had the PD TDA1543 DAC but I sold it after I started with FN1242 and later ES9023. I like the sound of TDA1543 but it measures quite bad, this was reason for me to quit using the chip.
It is a recent chip with quite a good performance-per-price ratio. There are better chips out there but that will make the complete DAC a more expensive project as they need more power supplies, an output stage etc. Don't get misguided by anti-Delta Sigma sentiments as it is the end result that counts whatever technology is used. I often notice melancholy/nostalgia when older audio gear or parts are discussed. Nice but some things do get better like, for instance, ultrafast diodes and electrolytic caps. Who would have thought class D would evolve to what TPA3116 is today ?
BTW I had the PD TDA1543 DAC but I sold it after I started with FN1242 and later ES9023. I like the sound of TDA1543 but it measures quite bad, this was reason for me to quit using the chip.
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I've never tried building from scratch to find out what the price would be, but the PD one might total to less than $200 in parts. The transformer is like $70, and you can't even use blackgates anymore. Actually you can use panny OSCONs in place of them for most of the positions (significantly cheaper). You aren't buying a PCB from him in this situation either. The big factor becomes the output, and how much you want to spend on output capacitors.
However it exceeds the ratio the TPA3116 has!
Someone else would have to chime in on other DAC's. I went to vinyl for a long time, so I've only listened to, not built, other DAC chips.
However it exceeds the ratio the TPA3116 has!
Someone else would have to chime in on other DAC's. I went to vinyl for a long time, so I've only listened to, not built, other DAC chips.
I have just noticed a group of connections on my Sure TPA3116 marked MUTE/STBY/VCC/GND
Could someone please explain what these are for and why would use them?
Could someone please explain what these are for and why would use them?
Destroyer OS., could you tell me what PSU you designed ? I read "Destroyer OS. power supply" quite often but no schematic can be found.
I have 3 ES9023 based DACs and I am fairly confident that JP's Subbu is at the top of the pile. I recall when it went into my system I definitely felt that SQ had taken a step up. My earlier 9023 DAC is somewhat ordinary by comparrison. By the way my reference till recently has been a Philips CD880 with TDA1541A single crown with major mods including super clock and Pedja Rogic I/V stage.
However giving some thought to a TDA1387 build - do you have any circuit diagrams I can look at?
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I've opened a new thread where I take issue with jean-paul's defense of the ES9023, here - http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digi...-real-life-es9023-new-1543-a.html#post4067915
Just so we don't pollute this thread with all our DAC-talk 🙂 I'll answer the DAC-related questions posed here on that thread.
Just so we don't pollute this thread with all our DAC-talk 🙂 I'll answer the DAC-related questions posed here on that thread.
Impuls60, thanks for the link.
I purchased this amp, it arrived today (only 11 days from HK!!!), I plugged it into my system, and I really cannot find any faults with it 🙂
- except for the dinky little speaker terminals (easily remedied...)
And I was amazed at its size - it's smaller than mine 🙂
It's worth buying just for the enclosure and connectors, if nothing else!
BTW, anyone know the source of cheap enclosures and connectors (RCA connectors, speaker terminals, etc.)? I'll need a reliable source of passable quality components "on the cheap".
The local electronics stores are outrageously expensive - and they mostly sell the same cheap Chinese stuff that's available on ebay at one fourth the price...
It's not DIY, but I have seen lots of good reviews, from both professional reviewers and consumers, of the $189 iFi nano iDSD. I have not had the chance to audition one myself, however.
More propgress on my board modificatiom.
Added 2 22uf 60V OSCON for PVCC at both end of the chip.
Found these caps from a surplus shop for 0.3$ each so I bought 20 to try.
Source is the Shigclone MKII S/pdif to subbu 9023 V2.1 DAC going into a DCB1 then 3116D2. The sound is getting better everyday, these caps may not be at par with the pana sepf cap but I think it comes close plus the price is dirt cheep.
I will think about how to implement Destroyer OS.'s power supply on SMPS. The sound is much better than stocks.
Great find! Really do enjoy that board
I see you have the 8x Rubycon 35V 220uF, would the 25v 330uF oscons be ok there instead
I am sure the oscon would be better but these rubycon are too cheap to be passed away. This board is easy to mod and the result is quite good. These inductors are original and not bad at all.
DoctorJ, I just remember I red recommandations from the famous "say hello ..." thread about these preamps, and I swap the input resistor to higher value to increase impedance... Hope it can help you
Finally took the plunge!
Already did Oscons and bootstrap caps...running off a dell brick ~20v @5a.
Coming soon:
Bourns 2100 inductors
4.7uF input caps
Hammond 1455T chassis
This is a really sweet sounding amp. I'm glad I bought 2 boards!
Already did Oscons and bootstrap caps...running off a dell brick ~20v @5a.
Coming soon:
Bourns 2100 inductors
4.7uF input caps
Hammond 1455T chassis
This is a really sweet sounding amp. I'm glad I bought 2 boards!
Thanks, Camelator, Do you have a link? I did some searches and came up empty. I would be much obliged!http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/members/camelator.html
