Ultimate Twin TDA1541a Non-oversampling DAC with tube buffer & reclock set...........
Hi all,
this is a non-sense posting!!!!!!!
this recent two months I was very very very unhappy. on 2005-August my Grandmother was dead. (96 years old).
On 2005-09-06 around 09:00~11:00 a.m. My good friend 'Named SIU Wong' He is my dog, lived with me 16~17 years which born on 1989 . Was dead already.
Photos was taken before his dead ten days before.
http://www.diyaudiocraft.com/siuwong
Pls visit for my best friend. He will live on my mind, my heart forever!!!!!!
'SIU Wong, I miss U'
thomas
Hi all,
this is a non-sense posting!!!!!!!
this recent two months I was very very very unhappy. on 2005-August my Grandmother was dead. (96 years old).
On 2005-09-06 around 09:00~11:00 a.m. My good friend 'Named SIU Wong' He is my dog, lived with me 16~17 years which born on 1989 . Was dead already.
Photos was taken before his dead ten days before.
http://www.diyaudiocraft.com/siuwong
Pls visit for my best friend. He will live on my mind, my heart forever!!!!!!
'SIU Wong, I miss U'
thomas
Sorry to hear of your loss, Thomas. Hopefully soon things will be better for you.
regards,
shane
regards,
shane
Questions about the kit
Hi Thomas,
I'm looking at purchasing your kit. Can you explain a couple of things for me:
1) Do you sell the power transformers in 240v (like in HK)?
2) I already have 2 x TDA1541-S2, is it possible to order the kit without the TDA1541 or is it easy to de-solder the TDA1541 without damaging the board? Even better, is the TDA on a socket?
3) Is there a version 3 planned?
4) More details on the reclocker board & schematic?
5) What is the height of the tube board with the tube on it? I already have a chassis for the DAC and it is only 58mm high. If this is too small, I have another case that is 87mm high.
Even though this is a long thread, there is not too much objective comparison of this kit with other high end DACs. Can anyone who has this kit comment on how it compares with other DACs (eg. Benchmark, Wavelength)?
Regards,
Dean
Hi Thomas,
I'm looking at purchasing your kit. Can you explain a couple of things for me:
1) Do you sell the power transformers in 240v (like in HK)?
2) I already have 2 x TDA1541-S2, is it possible to order the kit without the TDA1541 or is it easy to de-solder the TDA1541 without damaging the board? Even better, is the TDA on a socket?
3) Is there a version 3 planned?
4) More details on the reclocker board & schematic?
5) What is the height of the tube board with the tube on it? I already have a chassis for the DAC and it is only 58mm high. If this is too small, I have another case that is 87mm high.
Even though this is a long thread, there is not too much objective comparison of this kit with other high end DACs. Can anyone who has this kit comment on how it compares with other DACs (eg. Benchmark, Wavelength)?
Regards,
Dean
Last Saturday my friend brought his Benchmark DAC-1 in to compare with my DAC built from Thomas kit.
He immediately admited that my DAC sound better. The most noticeable difference is the precise imaging and large sound stage. This is the advantage of the tube buffer. The smoothness of TDA1541A is also an advantage. Thomas's DAC produce very good ambient sound also.
The Benchmark DAC 1 sound quite accurate and well balanced but it could not open out the sound stage like tube DACs.
I modified Thomas's DAC a bit and spent a lot of time in fine tuning it. I haven't used the reclock yet because I could not find those SMD part needed.
He immediately admited that my DAC sound better. The most noticeable difference is the precise imaging and large sound stage. This is the advantage of the tube buffer. The smoothness of TDA1541A is also an advantage. Thomas's DAC produce very good ambient sound also.
The Benchmark DAC 1 sound quite accurate and well balanced but it could not open out the sound stage like tube DACs.
I modified Thomas's DAC a bit and spent a lot of time in fine tuning it. I haven't used the reclock yet because I could not find those SMD part needed.
Thanks quantran,
Would also be interesting to compare it to Pedja's DAC, which looks to be well engineered but as I have 2 x TDA1541 S2, I'd like to try the double TDA approach.
I'd also like to know more about the quality of the clock and the re-clocking circuit, its a little hard to work out from Thomas' site. I can't locate any schematics on the imagestation site or the vendor webpage also except for a tube headphone buffer
Is there any difference between the CS8412 and the CS8414?
Regards,
Dean
Would also be interesting to compare it to Pedja's DAC, which looks to be well engineered but as I have 2 x TDA1541 S2, I'd like to try the double TDA approach.
I'd also like to know more about the quality of the clock and the re-clocking circuit, its a little hard to work out from Thomas' site. I can't locate any schematics on the imagestation site or the vendor webpage also except for a tube headphone buffer
Is there any difference between the CS8412 and the CS8414?
Regards,
Dean
similatity with CD-94MKII
Dear Tube-lover,
Please indicate your DAC similarity with Marantz CD-94 MKII. This cd also have 2 TDA1541A DAC's. May be I can use your Tube output part for this cd. I have idea to use I/V resistance and Step-up transformer (Sowter 9762), may be you can tell your opinion on this. If it is possible please send schematics of your DAC to augisku@yahoo.com. Later on I can do the same on 94MKII if you do not have it.
Thanks,
Eugene
Dear Tube-lover,
Please indicate your DAC similarity with Marantz CD-94 MKII. This cd also have 2 TDA1541A DAC's. May be I can use your Tube output part for this cd. I have idea to use I/V resistance and Step-up transformer (Sowter 9762), may be you can tell your opinion on this. If it is possible please send schematics of your DAC to augisku@yahoo.com. Later on I can do the same on 94MKII if you do not have it.
Thanks,
Eugene
dac kit arrived today..
.. using tube buffer with EZ80 and 6DJ8.
Sounds simply amazing with only a few hours on it, and completely stock. Much better than modified DIO, for whatever thats worth !
Highly recommended.. awesome sound !!
THANKS THOMAS !!!
regards,
shane
.. using tube buffer with EZ80 and 6DJ8.
Sounds simply amazing with only a few hours on it, and completely stock. Much better than modified DIO, for whatever thats worth !
Highly recommended.. awesome sound !!
THANKS THOMAS !!!
regards,
shane
Ultimate Twin TDA1541a Non-oversampling DAC with tube buffer & reclock set...........
Hi all,
I was back,
First of all for oversea diyers good news to hear my dac, actualy will had little different whcih was request by brian cherry of diyhifi supply.
Satch DAC will show on here. pls go to visit for brian, he will here.
Denver: Sept 30, Oct 1/2
http://www.audiofest.net/ExList.htm#ex182
Room 7913
I prepare another PCB of the tube buffer which use 6dj8SRPP & we417a/5842 output stage for brian. It will only see on his new dac which was named Satch.
pls see the photos.
thx
thomas
Hi all,
I was back,
First of all for oversea diyers good news to hear my dac, actualy will had little different whcih was request by brian cherry of diyhifi supply.
Satch DAC will show on here. pls go to visit for brian, he will here.
Denver: Sept 30, Oct 1/2
http://www.audiofest.net/ExList.htm#ex182
Room 7913
I prepare another PCB of the tube buffer which use 6dj8SRPP & we417a/5842 output stage for brian. It will only see on his new dac which was named Satch.
pls see the photos.
thx
thomas
Attachments
Ultimate Twin TDA1541a Non-oversampling DAC with tube buffer & reclock set...........
Hi,
my coming chassis will be similar as this one, but the colour & some will different. More simple than Brian.
Due to my reasonable price offer to more diyers, pls consent for this.
also, hope U will love this chassis.
thx
thomas
Hi,
my coming chassis will be similar as this one, but the colour & some will different. More simple than Brian.
Due to my reasonable price offer to more diyers, pls consent for this.
also, hope U will love this chassis.
thx
thomas
Hi Thomas,
I posed the questions about your kit a week ago. Can you please address these points which I need to know before placing my order.
1) Do you sell the power transformers in 240v (like in HK)?
2) I already have 2 x TDA1541-S2, is it possible to order the kit without the TDA1541 or is it easy to de-solder the TDA1541 without damaging the board? Even better, is the TDA on a socket?
3) Is there a version 3 planned?
4) More details on the reclocker board & schematic?
5) What is the height of the tube board with the tube on it? I already have a chassis for the DAC and it is only 58mm high. If this is too small, I have another case that is 87mm high.
Regards,
Dean
I posed the questions about your kit a week ago. Can you please address these points which I need to know before placing my order.
1) Do you sell the power transformers in 240v (like in HK)?
2) I already have 2 x TDA1541-S2, is it possible to order the kit without the TDA1541 or is it easy to de-solder the TDA1541 without damaging the board? Even better, is the TDA on a socket?
3) Is there a version 3 planned?
4) More details on the reclocker board & schematic?
5) What is the height of the tube board with the tube on it? I already have a chassis for the DAC and it is only 58mm high. If this is too small, I have another case that is 87mm high.
Regards,
Dean
Ultimate Twin TDA1541a Non-oversampling DAC with tube buffer & reclock set...........
Hi dean,
For your questions.
1) Do you sell the power transformers in 240v (like in HK)?
Ans,---Yes, but if U like 120~0 E 120~0. U need to wait for two week. I can call the factory tailor made for U.
2) I already have 2 x TDA1541-S2, is it possible to order the kit without the TDA1541 or is it easy to de-solder the TDA1541 without damaging the board? Even better, is the TDA on a socket?
Ans--- Yes, but my chips all use analyzer to match already. Actually I will not say better than s1 or S2. But S2 was taiwan made. I still love Holland or Belgium version. In our old blind test, 88~89 data code was very close to S1 & S2. really S2 will little bit lower noise but less of dynamic than old version. This is my opinions.
3) Is there a version 3 planned?
Ans-- No, because shortage of DIP versionof 1541a. only will according the reference of this website.
http://www.iwh12.net/blog/log/eid164.html & test by myself with TF-5S (5K+5K:600ohm) output transformers that there will had large improve for the detail of the output stage.
BTW, ciao advise for the CCS in the tube buffer also can lower the hum, inprove the detail of the output stage.
I will prepare the small 3K,5K :0~150~300~600 nano-crystalline amorphous Double c-core for this DAC>
Price will very reasonable. around USD 150 only. U can use as the pre-amp output. Pls see my second thread about the nano core.
4) More details on the reclocker board & schematic?
The zip file will inform U all the detail.
5) What is the height of the tube board with the tube on it? I already have a chassis for the DAC and it is only 58mm high. If this is too small, I have another case that is 87mm high.
87mm will be better because tubes insode will quite hot.
thx
thomas
pls see the nano core. Photos show was the large core. pre-amp, output will use very small one.
Hi dean,
For your questions.
1) Do you sell the power transformers in 240v (like in HK)?
Ans,---Yes, but if U like 120~0 E 120~0. U need to wait for two week. I can call the factory tailor made for U.
2) I already have 2 x TDA1541-S2, is it possible to order the kit without the TDA1541 or is it easy to de-solder the TDA1541 without damaging the board? Even better, is the TDA on a socket?
Ans--- Yes, but my chips all use analyzer to match already. Actually I will not say better than s1 or S2. But S2 was taiwan made. I still love Holland or Belgium version. In our old blind test, 88~89 data code was very close to S1 & S2. really S2 will little bit lower noise but less of dynamic than old version. This is my opinions.
3) Is there a version 3 planned?
Ans-- No, because shortage of DIP versionof 1541a. only will according the reference of this website.
http://www.iwh12.net/blog/log/eid164.html & test by myself with TF-5S (5K+5K:600ohm) output transformers that there will had large improve for the detail of the output stage.
BTW, ciao advise for the CCS in the tube buffer also can lower the hum, inprove the detail of the output stage.
I will prepare the small 3K,5K :0~150~300~600 nano-crystalline amorphous Double c-core for this DAC>
Price will very reasonable. around USD 150 only. U can use as the pre-amp output. Pls see my second thread about the nano core.
4) More details on the reclocker board & schematic?
The zip file will inform U all the detail.
5) What is the height of the tube board with the tube on it? I already have a chassis for the DAC and it is only 58mm high. If this is too small, I have another case that is 87mm high.
87mm will be better because tubes insode will quite hot.
thx
thomas
pls see the nano core. Photos show was the large core. pre-amp, output will use very small one.
Attachments
Thanks Thomas,
Informative reply. Is the TDA1541 on a socket so I can change with S2 version to compare?
I'll send you email directly about order details.
Regards,
Dean
Informative reply. Is the TDA1541 on a socket so I can change with S2 version to compare?
I'll send you email directly about order details.
Regards,
Dean
Thomas,
Can you tell me if you think Wima FKP, or tin foil and polypropylene film would be improvement over the ERO 1841 in the kit for decoupling?
You have probably tried many caps here, I am looking for an improvement, not just a different flavour and staying with 0.1uF values.
thanks,
shane
Can you tell me if you think Wima FKP, or tin foil and polypropylene film would be improvement over the ERO 1841 in the kit for decoupling?
You have probably tried many caps here, I am looking for an improvement, not just a different flavour and staying with 0.1uF values.
thanks,
shane
Member
Joined 2002
Can any one help me with a CS8414 Dac locking problem.. i just got my dac and it is having problems with locking onto a signal. I haev 2 cd players and also tried it on a friends machine ( computer with spdif)
Some times it locks and some times it doesn't.
Here is teh schematic.. if any one can help me with this at all..
http://jleaman.ath.cx/dac/tda1541a-ckt-rev11.png
thank's people's..
J'
Some times it locks and some times it doesn't.
Here is teh schematic.. if any one can help me with this at all..
http://jleaman.ath.cx/dac/tda1541a-ckt-rev11.png
thank's people's..
J'
When I received my kit, the 75R coax termination resistor was not soldered. So I had to solder it. Please check this.
I guess Thomas leave it there in case some people use the 120R balance cable.
I guess Thomas leave it there in case some people use the 120R balance cable.
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