Ultimate Twin TDA1541a Non-oversampling DAC with tube buffer & reclock set...........
Hi,
this is the nano-crystalline amorphous pulse trans.
this s the tailor made products. May be U did not like the outlook. But quality is very good. There hadn't any nano-pulse in the market & nil in diy market too!!!
thx
thomas
Hi,
this is the nano-crystalline amorphous pulse trans.
this s the tailor made products. May be U did not like the outlook. But quality is very good. There hadn't any nano-pulse in the market & nil in diy market too!!!
thx
thomas
Attachments
Input pulser transformer
Thomas,
This will definitely improve the sound. I change the stock input pulse transformer with DIY one made from amorphorus core and it sound much more transparent and provide greater detail. Can not hardly wait to try this nano-crystalline amorphous pulse trans if it better than my DIY one.
Thomas,
This will definitely improve the sound. I change the stock input pulse transformer with DIY one made from amorphorus core and it sound much more transparent and provide greater detail. Can not hardly wait to try this nano-crystalline amorphous pulse trans if it better than my DIY one.
Hi Thomas,
Finally, I remove the tube board from the chassis and found that the hum is much less but there is still hum from both channel. I guess that the layout is not correct because I place the transformer along the side of the board which is near 6DJ8 tube. From many pics of your diy including others, everyone put the transformer near the power supply side of the board, so the hum is mostly came from the transformer that sit very close to the tube, less than one inch since my chassis is small. The magnetic flux which is leak to the ground plane and tube element cause the tube to hum. The solution is to change new chassis and redesign the layout by putting all transformer behind the supply side of the board. Another alternative is to shield the transformer with a metal plate to block magnetic flux. I will try the latter first, if it cannot solve the hum then the new bigger chassis is the last choice.
From my observation, the noise from transformer is quite loud. WT has experience this too but his trans only produce a small mechanical vibration. Anyway, I will try the above two alternatives first. If it can kill the hum then it's no need to send me new transformer.
It's nice to know that nano-crystalline amorphous pulse trans is very good. Please send me a piece to try.
Thanks & Take care!
Kittikun
Finally, I remove the tube board from the chassis and found that the hum is much less but there is still hum from both channel. I guess that the layout is not correct because I place the transformer along the side of the board which is near 6DJ8 tube. From many pics of your diy including others, everyone put the transformer near the power supply side of the board, so the hum is mostly came from the transformer that sit very close to the tube, less than one inch since my chassis is small. The magnetic flux which is leak to the ground plane and tube element cause the tube to hum. The solution is to change new chassis and redesign the layout by putting all transformer behind the supply side of the board. Another alternative is to shield the transformer with a metal plate to block magnetic flux. I will try the latter first, if it cannot solve the hum then the new bigger chassis is the last choice.
From my observation, the noise from transformer is quite loud. WT has experience this too but his trans only produce a small mechanical vibration. Anyway, I will try the above two alternatives first. If it can kill the hum then it's no need to send me new transformer.
It's nice to know that nano-crystalline amorphous pulse trans is very good. Please send me a piece to try.
Thanks & Take care!
Kittikun
Re: Ultimate Twin TDA1541a Non-oversampling DAC with tube buffer & reclock set...........
Hi Thomas,
These transformers look promising. That plus the new TCXO should do wonders for the DAC v2. When will v3 be available?
PS: I sent you an e-mail.
tube-lover said:
Hi Thomas,
These transformers look promising. That plus the new TCXO should do wonders for the DAC v2. When will v3 be available?
PS: I sent you an e-mail.
Thomas,
1. Can you please email me a schematic
2. No solder included. You spec'd Senju Lead free solder and commented "I trust that solder will effect the performace". Can you please suggest an alternative that I can source in U.S.
3. I ordered cs8412. Came with cs8414. Only reason I requested 8412 is that I may modify to work with usb 2706 interface, and would need to defeat/de-power the DIR...but 8414 is smd, and I am novice. guess I'll brush up on my soldering skills.
4. Requested tube stage assembled with battery bias. Battery bias not configured/assembled. Guess I'll try with choke. Must I connect copper wire between J2 and J3? What guage wire do U recommend?
5. Transformers don't fit in holes drilled in chassis supplied, nor do they look like the trans shown on some pics posted on this thread. Did you decide to change/upgrade the transformers recently?
Thanks
Mike
1. Can you please email me a schematic
2. No solder included. You spec'd Senju Lead free solder and commented "I trust that solder will effect the performace". Can you please suggest an alternative that I can source in U.S.
3. I ordered cs8412. Came with cs8414. Only reason I requested 8412 is that I may modify to work with usb 2706 interface, and would need to defeat/de-power the DIR...but 8414 is smd, and I am novice. guess I'll brush up on my soldering skills.
4. Requested tube stage assembled with battery bias. Battery bias not configured/assembled. Guess I'll try with choke. Must I connect copper wire between J2 and J3? What guage wire do U recommend?
5. Transformers don't fit in holes drilled in chassis supplied, nor do they look like the trans shown on some pics posted on this thread. Did you decide to change/upgrade the transformers recently?
Thanks
Mike
riotubes said:
Mike,
You can order lead free solder from Digikey or Mouser. Or "audiophile" solder from Parts Connexion (http://www.partsconnexion.com) or Michael Percy (http://www.percyaudio.com/).
Hope that helps.
3. I ordered cs8412. Came with cs8414. Only reason I requested 8412 is that I may modify to work with usb 2706 interface, and would need to defeat/de-power the DIR...but 8414 is smd, and I am novice. guess I'll brush up on my soldering skills.
Removing R16 and R19 will defeat the power to the CS8414.
Removing R16 and R19 will defeat the power to the CS8414.
Hi Thomas,
Do you have pcb schematics that you share with your customers, in case we want to modify or repair the dac?
On the schematic (or separate diagram) does it show how to hook up the transformer wires to pcbs and iec connector (i.e. which wires go where)?
Thanks to Julien and Shane for fielding my prior questions.
Do you have pcb schematics that you share with your customers, in case we want to modify or repair the dac?
On the schematic (or separate diagram) does it show how to hook up the transformer wires to pcbs and iec connector (i.e. which wires go where)?
Thanks to Julien and Shane for fielding my prior questions.
Ultimate Twin TDA1541a Non-oversampling DAC with tube buffer & reclock set...........
Hi riotubes all,
Happy new year & this holiday I waqs funishing several tbe buffer because I need to find out why some of the tube buffer had hum, some hadn't. will know this several days.
I would like to find out the actually the reason which cause by the PCB making procedure or not because why some user had this problem & some hadn't. If at last find out the reason actually was cause by the PCB. I will free to post one ver.3 tube buffer to all suffer diyers.
thx
thomas
Hi riotubes all,
Happy new year & this holiday I waqs funishing several tbe buffer because I need to find out why some of the tube buffer had hum, some hadn't. will know this several days.
I would like to find out the actually the reason which cause by the PCB making procedure or not because why some user had this problem & some hadn't. If at last find out the reason actually was cause by the PCB. I will free to post one ver.3 tube buffer to all suffer diyers.
thx
thomas
Hello All.
This past Wednesday, I got together with some NY Ravers for some music and component audition and I brought the Twin DAC for a shoot out with other very expensive DAC's. Well, the twin DAC might not have been as resolving as the US$8800 Dodson (all SS design), but it certainly was very musical, and I think it holds its own pretty well. Now, my twin DAC didn't have the re-clock circuit in place and I was still using the Russian 6N1P with regular bias. But I had installed an Audio Note silver pulse transformer I had from a previous transport (the AN trans made a big difference: everything sounded more coherent and easier on the ears).
Here's the link with some pictures (PS: I don't appear in any):
December mini-rave
Since that mini-rave, I did some changes to the DAC that pushed it a little further. I'm now using JJ 6DJ8 tubes, battery biased (very nice improvement), I changed the coupling caps to REL Multicap PPMFX 0.47uF/400V I had in my parts bin. These caps sound very sweet and musical yet very detailed, and better than my previous RS caps. I also removed the coupling cap at the S/PDIF input. All these changes made this DAC fatigue free and very, very musical.
I also have some REL Multicap RTX 0.22uF/600V that I want to try. These are supposed to be the best Multicaps. I'm just a bit concerned about their value being too low. Anybody thinks there could be a problem going from 0.47uF to 0.22uF? Thomas, any thoughts?
This past Wednesday, I got together with some NY Ravers for some music and component audition and I brought the Twin DAC for a shoot out with other very expensive DAC's. Well, the twin DAC might not have been as resolving as the US$8800 Dodson (all SS design), but it certainly was very musical, and I think it holds its own pretty well. Now, my twin DAC didn't have the re-clock circuit in place and I was still using the Russian 6N1P with regular bias. But I had installed an Audio Note silver pulse transformer I had from a previous transport (the AN trans made a big difference: everything sounded more coherent and easier on the ears).
Here's the link with some pictures (PS: I don't appear in any):
December mini-rave
Since that mini-rave, I did some changes to the DAC that pushed it a little further. I'm now using JJ 6DJ8 tubes, battery biased (very nice improvement), I changed the coupling caps to REL Multicap PPMFX 0.47uF/400V I had in my parts bin. These caps sound very sweet and musical yet very detailed, and better than my previous RS caps. I also removed the coupling cap at the S/PDIF input. All these changes made this DAC fatigue free and very, very musical.
I also have some REL Multicap RTX 0.22uF/600V that I want to try. These are supposed to be the best Multicaps. I'm just a bit concerned about their value being too low. Anybody thinks there could be a problem going from 0.47uF to 0.22uF? Thomas, any thoughts?
Changing out the 0.47uF for 0.22uF will change the -3dB LF point of the tube voltage amp. The value of the cap forms an RC filter, the R value is the value of the shunt resistor on the ouput of the tube volt amp in parallel with the impedance of the stage that it drives.
So, its going to depend on the value of shunt resistor on the output you are using, the input impedance of the next stage, and how much LF you need. Smaller coupling capacitors tend to sound better, ESL starts to rise rapidly at suprisingly small values.
You might check out a decent polystyrene film and tin foil cap, like the RTX , or relcap teflon film and tin foil.
With the battery bias thing, is the battery in the cathode cct?, if so, they are pretty non-linear devices. With the peak to peak voltage from the I/V resistor being so low, you should be able to run a 6N1P or 6DJ8 at some reasonable current and bias with a low value resistor, low AC impedance in the cathode cct removes the need for a bypass cap and you will still get full gain from the stage. Zout of the 6DJ8 will be lower than that of 6N1P as a common plate loaded volt amp, 3k or there-abouts. If that is toward the upper limits of what you are happy with, try a PIMM CCS and take the signal from the MU output.
Anyhow, its Something to think about.
So, its going to depend on the value of shunt resistor on the output you are using, the input impedance of the next stage, and how much LF you need. Smaller coupling capacitors tend to sound better, ESL starts to rise rapidly at suprisingly small values.
You might check out a decent polystyrene film and tin foil cap, like the RTX , or relcap teflon film and tin foil.
With the battery bias thing, is the battery in the cathode cct?, if so, they are pretty non-linear devices. With the peak to peak voltage from the I/V resistor being so low, you should be able to run a 6N1P or 6DJ8 at some reasonable current and bias with a low value resistor, low AC impedance in the cathode cct removes the need for a bypass cap and you will still get full gain from the stage. Zout of the 6DJ8 will be lower than that of 6N1P as a common plate loaded volt amp, 3k or there-abouts. If that is toward the upper limits of what you are happy with, try a PIMM CCS and take the signal from the MU output.
Anyhow, its Something to think about.
Ultimate Twin TDA1541a Non-oversampling DAC with tube buffer & reclock set...........
Hi,
after I funish four sets of the tube buffer during this holiday I found out one set had hum. The hum looks was cause by the careless procedure by the PCb factory. I call to factory already. They will immediately imprint new PCB to me. I understand that this will make some Diyers understand but at least find out was not cause by lay out. I will wait for the new PCb arrived & post to the diyers that was paid to me already with the new Nano-amorphous pulse trans.
For the used diyers. pls try to use the multimeter to assist to find out the small copper link between the pcb which cause the hum. Or Use CCS also an solve the hum. If not. I will post another PCB to me.
Pls take a look of the new reclock circuit between 1541a & 8414.
thx
thomas
Hi,
after I funish four sets of the tube buffer during this holiday I found out one set had hum. The hum looks was cause by the careless procedure by the PCb factory. I call to factory already. They will immediately imprint new PCB to me. I understand that this will make some Diyers understand but at least find out was not cause by lay out. I will wait for the new PCb arrived & post to the diyers that was paid to me already with the new Nano-amorphous pulse trans.
For the used diyers. pls try to use the multimeter to assist to find out the small copper link between the pcb which cause the hum. Or Use CCS also an solve the hum. If not. I will post another PCB to me.
Pls take a look of the new reclock circuit between 1541a & 8414.
thx
thomas
Attachments
Hi Thomas, regarding the reclock circuit, what chip is U2? Will this mod be supplied with any new DAC kits?
Also, I'm still waiting on the delivery of my DAC kit, I assume that you will be sending out the DAC now that you have the new pulse transformer and a new tube PCB?
Regards,
Dean
Also, I'm still waiting on the delivery of my DAC kit, I assume that you will be sending out the DAC now that you have the new pulse transformer and a new tube PCB?
Regards,
Dean
Hi Thomas,
It's nice to know that finally, you've found the cause of the hum. Please explain more about the small copper link. I will try to identify my tube board for this copper link. It would be good, if you can post some pictures here too. Thanks.
Kittikun
It's nice to know that finally, you've found the cause of the hum. Please explain more about the small copper link. I will try to identify my tube board for this copper link. It would be good, if you can post some pictures here too. Thanks.
Kittikun
Hi Thomas,
More questions.
To use the multimeter to check to board, you mean that the board is still no any components and no soldering, right. Am I correct? I don't think that I can check the board with Multimeter when everything is already installed. What's about the magnifying lens for the inspection?
Can you please identify more for what area should I looked on the board? I guess that the defective for all board may happened in the same area.
Kittikun
More questions.
To use the multimeter to check to board, you mean that the board is still no any components and no soldering, right. Am I correct? I don't think that I can check the board with Multimeter when everything is already installed. What's about the magnifying lens for the inspection?
Can you please identify more for what area should I looked on the board? I guess that the defective for all board may happened in the same area.
Kittikun
Re: Ultimate Twin TDA1541a Non-oversampling DAC with tube buffer & reclock set...........
Konnichiwa,
Yes, hunting ground loops is fun (not)....
Looks interesting. What is in there? FIFO Memory buffer?
Sayonara
Konnichiwa,
tube-lover said:
Yes, hunting ground loops is fun (not)....
tube-lover said:
Looks interesting. What is in there? FIFO Memory buffer?
Sayonara
quantran said:
Looks like an AD1980 (?) when I zoomed in at the attached file.
http://www.analog.com/en/prod/0,2877,AD1980,00.html
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