Tube-lover SE and Full Balance TDA1541a DAC

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#121
Hi,

I switched the trans, ie 9v into 16-0-16 and 15v into 9v. When connected friend's CDP (BADA) coax output to dac, it is working. However, when connect my own CDP NAD 521BEE coax to dac, no signal found (LED does not light on).

What are the CDP coax output requirements for the dac to work??

thanks and regards,
kok heng
 
#123
Dear all,

For Kok heng's DAC we had try on the play as below:

1) My Bada CDP: signal to Rxp, shielding to ground --> working
note: in Bada CDP it is open loop between signal & shielding(ground). The voltahe of the signal to ground is ~1.6V

2) NAD CDP & PHILIPS DVD: both player has a 75 Ohm in between signal & shieding. the signal is ~300mV only. --> NOT WORKING with the DAC (LED not lighting) when connected as below:
a) signal to RXP, shielding to Grn as i done for BADA player.
b) Signal to RXP, shielding to RXN and also reverse.
c) signal to RXN, shielding to ground.


For this case, shall i connected in the way below?
signal to RXN, shielding to ground then connect a 0.01uF cap to RXN ad the ground as show in 8412's datasheet?

Kindly advise thank you.
 
#124
Hi All,

Here is an easy question :clown: I've the Full Balanced release and I want to use XLR connection between the DAC and my UGS.

I don't know how to wire the I/V output connector. Is it :

1) L = +S, Gnd, R=-S or
2) L= -S, Gnd, R=+S

Perhaps, someone has an idea 😀

Thanks for your help,
 
#125
windwss said:
Dear all,

For Kok heng's DAC we had try on the play as below:

1) My Bada CDP: signal to Rxp, shielding to ground --> working
note: in Bada CDP it is open loop between signal & shielding(ground). The voltahe of the signal to ground is ~1.6V

2) NAD CDP & PHILIPS DVD: both player has a 75 Ohm in between signal & shieding. the signal is ~300mV only. --> NOT WORKING with the DAC (LED not lighting) when connected as below:
a) signal to RXP, shielding to Grn as i done for BADA player.
b) Signal to RXP, shielding to RXN and also reverse.
c) signal to RXN, shielding to ground.


For this case, shall i connected in the way below?
signal to RXN, shielding to ground then connect a 0.01uF cap to RXN ad the ground as show in 8412's datasheet?

Kindly advise thank you.
Click to expand...

I am using Pioneer multiformat DV667 with Thomas suggested connection and it work without problem. What you need to make sure is the Digital out has been set to "On" on the players setup menu. For my Pioneer, the audio output on digital out is set to PCM. If yours is setup the same, it should work.
 
#126
tube-lover said:
hi eric,

pls free to call my mobile tomorrow for setting!

BTW, tube buffer was printing.

Take a look of the NEW tube buffer PCB.

Increase ground area, parts size( easy to upgrade large size parts & re-lay out!


thx

thomas


5687cf.jpg
Click to expand...


Hello Thomas,

I hope you are recovering well.
I'd like to ask you if the tube buffer PCB is already available.
I think adding a tube stage would benefit DAC v4 greatly.
Please let me know.
Regards,
Julien
 
#128
kokheng said:
HI SamL,

Do you have to change the DAC mode to work without re-clock when you play with the DVD player??

What is your default seting?

Thanks,
kokheng
Click to expand...
No change is needed.
The default mode I received is the same as what Julien_M posted http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1342664#post1342664
Have tried most of the setting with my DVD player without any issue. My current setting is NOS with reclock.
Do make sure the copper contact on the jumper are in place. They slip out very easily and is hard to tell if they are not in place.
The red LED on mine light up as soon as the DVD player is on.
Do make sure your digital cable's signal is not short to earth.

So... is your digital out set to PCM?
 
#129
HI SamL,

My default setting did't work with DVD player, I need to change it to no reclock.

After few hours of listening, I'm quite happy about the performance of the DAC, can't wait to take back my CDP from friend to try and see how big the different.

Regards,
kokheng
 
#130
kokheng said:
HI SamL,

My default setting did't work with DVD player, I need to change it to no reclock.

After few hours of listening, I'm quite happy about the performance of the DAC, can't wait to take back my CDP from friend to try and see how big the different.

Regards,
kokheng
Click to expand...

You should try the 4 opamp IV. To me and most owner, it sound better than the single opamp IV. Do let us know if the CDP is a better transport than the DVD.
 
#131
scoutOne said:
Hi All,

Here is an easy question :clown: I've the Full Balanced release and I want to use XLR connection between the DAC and my UGS.

I don't know how to wire the I/V output connector. Is it :

1) L = +S, Gnd, R=-S or
2) L= -S, Gnd, R=+S

Perhaps, someone has an idea 😀

Thanks for your help,
Click to expand...

Hi scoutOne,

Sorry... no answer to your question. You can try posting the question on the Thomas group buy thread. There a few Balance DAC owner who still missing a few parts and do check that thread more often than this.
 
#136
Hello anyone still here?

my full balanced dac just working today (i didn't have time before and 15 v transformer didn't work).....

anyone tried tube buffer?

anyone tried other switch position with full balanced dac?

other easy imporvement? with other opamps?

thx a lot for sharing !

Gomi
 
#137
Hi Gomi... Good to hear that you DAC is in action. That is a long time coming.
I am not using the balance DAC so can't help you there.

As for the mod , there a lot you can do with this DAC. Have a read at the mod done by lampizator. A lot of reading but I am sure you enjoy every bit.
http://www.lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/...r/TDA1541.html

The mod that I find give the best return are:
- The power supply bypass. I find mixing different type of cap (ceramic, tantalum, monolithic) and value give the best bypass results. Try to bypass at every stages and places you can fit the cap. These cap are cheap and worth the effort.
- The decoupling cap on TDA1541. Those who thinking of switching to another DAC should try this mod.
- Better cap on IV board. I find using silva mica on the cap that feed the opamp give better clarity and 'speed'. Do allow 24 hours to burn-in. Tube IV can be a good option. You have anything in mind?
- Replace the 3 bigger cap before LM317 LM337 with something like Muse.
- Different opamp. I used to like Opa627 but now I find vocal taking too much attention in the expense of the instruments. I am using Op42 and AD797 now. I find the 4 opamp IV board sound better.
- Blackgate cap, only if you have the $.

After the mod, the player will be a few level up from where it used to be. There's good reason why lampizator still rated this DAC highly.

Have fun and enjoy. 😀
 
Last edited:
#138
anyone with full balanced dac and settings infos?

hello,
thx a lot for support Sam !

do you know if Thomas is still answering ?

i have been trying today Julien and other settings with full balanced dac, it's not working

do you know someone who could give me informations about settings for full balanced dac?

i would like to try non oversampling and no reclock with full balanced dac !

after that i think i will go for more tweak !

thx a lot

Gomi
 
#139
Thomas sold a few balance DAC but most of the buyer have gone quiet so not sure if they are enjoying it and not doing mod or have move on to other DAC. I saw Julian selling his a long time ago. It is a pity bec I don't think he tried the decoupling cap mod for TDA1541. That is a must do mod.
The Satch DAC resemblance a lot of Thomas DAC and the seller is from HK. He might know about the setting on Thomas DAC. You can try asking him, at the same time find out if his tube IV can work on Thomas DAC..... 😉
Satch DAC | Diy HiFi Supply
As for Thomas, I have not heard from him for a long time. 🙁

Have fun 😀
 
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