DAC-END R (ES9018) full assembled board - version 2

[rade95]

Hello Quanghao,

Please remove rade95 from choice 4 list and add rade95 to choice 1 list for a complete DAC, with a discrete output stage. thanks

 

[linuxfan]

I would like to add the assembly to my order. It should now read:
6. msaywitz: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer + chassis (Complete set: Item 6).

Please remove rade95 from choice 4 list and add rade95 to choice 1 list for a complete DAC, with a discrete output stage.

Please check if there are errors or changes please help me complete:

List now updated for msaywitz and rade95.
For anyone else wanting to modify their order - I suggest you update the list yourself.

1/Choice 1: full
1. adeveza: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer (Complete Set: Item 6)
2. papapew: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer + chassis
3. villanueva: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer (item6)
4. rade95: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer + chassis
5. PeterKD: complete DAC (item 6)
6. schallundrauch: complete DAC (item 6)
7. msaywitz: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer + chassis (Complete set: Item 6)

2/Choice 2: output stage only
1. CAAD: output stage only
2. Blackberry: output stage only
3. claudio52: Output stage only
4. Erlend Sæterdal: Output stage only
5. xtomm: output stage only
6. rredline: Output stage only
7. danny_66: output stage only
8. linuxfan: output stage only
9. gjorgji: output stage only

3/ Choice 3: DAC complete without output stage
1. sandor: Complete DAC without output stage
2. Stenachio: Complete DAC without output stage
3. Nick F: Complete DAC exclude output stage
4. Mas Penk: DAC module + amanero + transformer + chassis

4/ Choice 4:
1. smokingdog: DAC module + output stage
2. gde3: DAC module + amanero + transformer
3. vmoreau: DAC Module
4. brgds: DAC + output stage + amanero
5. anjogi: amanero + DAC + output stage + transformer
6. Jazzbear: DAC module + output stage + transformer
7. frankwilker: DAC module + Amanero module + output stage
8. NKL: DAC module + Amanero module+output stage+transformer
9. ervstil: DAC module + Amanero
10. rowli: DAC module + amanero + transformer
11. Claudio M. DAC module + amanero + output stage + LL1684 pcb + transformer
12. ceausuc: Amanero

 

[linuxfan]

Hi Quanghao,
Have you tried using the "Digital Isolator & Synchronous Re-clocker for Amanero" board by Acko with the DAC-END R? If so, do you recommend adding it to the DAC-END R?

In this post -
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/quanghao-audio-design/242700-dac-end-r-es9018-full-assembled-board-version-2-a-11.html#post3705775
the 2nd photo shows a section of the board labelled "Isolator ISO 7640" and "reclock with buffer".
So it seems that the new version of the DAC now includes onboard isolation/reclocking for the Amanero, but quanghao has not provided any details at this stage.

 

[danielkol]

Hi, Hao!
Could you offer all black chassis?
Daniel

 

[quanghao]

Hi, Hao!
Could you offer all black chassis?
Daniel

not all you silver, black is bad

 

[danielkol]

And could you post photos of latest version of chassis?

 

[ervstil]

Hi!

I'm really need some help in deciding what output I'm going to choose. I'm on a budget so the LL1684 is not an option. My options are voltage out via DC blocking cap, other budget friendly transformer or the regular discrete output stage.

- Can someone who has tried direct voltage out without transformer describe its sonics compared to transformer or a regular output stage?

- Can someone recommend a more budget friendly transformer?

- What is the input impedance of the LL1684 in the proposed configuration? Is it high enough to run the dac in pure voltage mode?

- If I understand it correctly, you can select if you want to run the output stage in voltage or current mode. Am I correct?

I'm still struggling to understand the theory behind why the transformer should sound so much better than a filtered direct out if the dac is working in pure voltage mode in both scenarios.


Best regards Christian

 

[gjorgji]

For the owners of V1 of the DAC:

-Will the discrete stage and the transformer stage(LL1684) be compatible with the back panel of the case ver.1 ?

-Is the transformer in V1 cable of supporting the new discrete stage?

- What are the options for upgrading the existing dac v1. to v2? (new front panel .e.t.c.)

Thanks,
Gjorgji

 

[ervstil]

1/Choice 1: full
1. adeveza: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer (Complete Set: Item 6)
2. papapew: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer + chassis
3. villanueva: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer (item6)
4. rade95: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer + chassis
5. PeterKD: complete DAC (item 6)
6. schallundrauch: complete DAC (item 6)
7. msaywitz: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer + chassis (Complete set: Item 6)

2/Choice 2: output stage only
1. CAAD: output stage only
2. Blackberry: output stage only
3. claudio52: Output stage only
4. Erlend Sæterdal: Output stage only
5. xtomm: output stage only
6. rredline: Output stage only
7. danny_66: output stage only
8. linuxfan: output stage only
9. gjorgji: output stage only

3/ Choice 3: DAC complete without output stage
1. sandor: Complete DAC without output stage
2. Stenachio: Complete DAC without output stage
3. Nick F: Complete DAC exclude output stage
4. Mas Penk: DAC module + amanero + transformer + chassis

4/ Choice 4:
1. smokingdog: DAC module + output stage
2. gde3: DAC module + amanero + transformer
3. vmoreau: DAC Module
4. brgds: DAC + output stage + amanero
5. anjogi: amanero + DAC + output stage + transformer
6. Jazzbear: DAC module + output stage + transformer
7. frankwilker: DAC module + Amanero module + output stage
8. NKL: DAC module + Amanero module+output stage+transformer
9. ervstil: DAC module + Amanero + output stage + silver buttons for control board
10. rowli: DAC module + amanero + transformer
11. Claudio M. DAC module + amanero + output stage + LL1684 pcb + transformer
12. ceausuc: Amanero

Added output stage to my order

B.R Christian (ervstil)

 

[rade95]

Hi!

I'm really need some help in deciding what output I'm going to choose. I'm on a budget so the LL1684 is not an option. My options are voltage out via DC blocking cap, other budget friendly transformer or the regular discrete output stage.

- Can someone who has tried direct voltage out without transformer describe its sonics compared to transformer or a regular output stage?

- Can someone recommend a more budget friendly transformer?

- What is the input impedance of the LL1684 in the proposed configuration? Is it high enough to run the dac in pure voltage mode?

- If I understand it correctly, you can select if you want to run the output stage in voltage or current mode. Am I correct?

I'm still struggling to understand the theory behind why the transformer should sound so much better than a filtered direct out if the dac is working in pure voltage mode in both scenarios.


Best regards Christian

Good questions, you are not the only one wondering. There is at least one other (cheaper) choice for the V/I transformer stage: Sowter 9545e, link here:
Sowter Type 9545 DAC INTERFACE TRANSFORMER

Also read this thread (post# 180):
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/twisted-pear/164294-buffalo-ii-transformers-18.html

Still few questions remain.

 

[randytsuch]

I almost bought a pair of the LL1527's, but I found a decent deal on some slightly used 1684's.

On a tight budget, I think the 1527's are more available, so you might find them used for less money.

 

[quanghao]

In this post -
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/quan...sembled-board-version-2-a-11.html#post3705775
the 2nd photo shows a section of the board labelled "Isolator ISO 7640" and "reclock with buffer".
So it seems that the new version of the DAC now includes onboard isolation/reclocking for the Amanero, but quanghao has not provided any details at this stage.

hi!

This image!
thanks

 

[ervstil]

Hi Quanghao!

Could you give us some details of the output stage?

- Does the unbalaced output mage common mode rejection in a good way in the conversion (looks like it would just use the + signal)?
- Does it work in voltage or current mode (I/V)?
- It is possible to get some updated schematics?
- What are the power reqirement of the transformer?
-What are the limitations for unbalanced headphone use?
- Will the headphone be connected via the RCA or will there be connector or pad for a connection to a normal headphone jack?

Best regards Christian

 

[quanghao]

Hi Quanghao!

Could you give us some details of the output stage?

- Does the unbalaced output mage common mode rejection in a good way in the conversion?
Yes, balace and SE

- Does it work in voltage or current mode (I/V)?
Work with V-out
- It is possible to get some updated schematics?

- What are the power reqirement of the transformer?
18VA - 0-18VAC /500mA for one chanel

-What are the limitations for headphone use?
Can play headphone 150 Ohm

- Wil the headphone be connected via the RCA or will there be connector or pad for a connection to a normal headphone jack?

With RCA or RXL ouput, not have jack hedphone

Thanks

 

[rredline]

For the owners of V1 of the DAC:

-Will the discrete stage and the transformer stage(LL1684) be compatible with the back panel of the case ver.1 ?
Should be compatible.
-Is the transformer in V1 cable of supporting the new discrete stage?
Yes.
- What are the options for upgrading the existing dac v1. to v2? (new front panel .e.t.c.)
Replace front panel and back panel, I think.

- Will the headphone be connected via the RCA or will there be connector or pad for a connection to a normal headphone jack?
Via RCA. I think XLR is possible too but headphone cable need to be modded.

I DIYed this RCA to female 3.5mm connector cable for my headphone on DAC V1. It sounds fantastic as it get the sound from the full frill output stage, while usually headphone jacks are not.

 

[rade95]

I almost bought a pair of the LL1527's, but I found a decent deal on some slightly used 1684's.

On a tight budget, I think the 1527's are more available, so you might find them used for less money.

Hi, is LL1527 a drop in replacement for LL1684 as a DAC V/I stage, or are there any other circuit mods needed? I know the circuit is very simple, but still I thought its worth asking.

 

[ervstil]

Hi Quanghao!

Thanks for your answer! I still wonder if the output stage has any capability to cancel the common mode errors and noice from the dac as a regular differential balanced to unbalanced conversion. From the schematics in post #93 it looks like it is simply half the balanced signal. Is it relevant for the unbalanced sound quality or is the common mode errors and noise small enough to be ignored?

Best Regards Christian

 

[xtomm]

1/Choice 1: full
1. adeveza: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer (Complete Set: Item 6)
2. papapew: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer + chassis
3. villanueva: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer (item6)
4. rade95: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer + chassis
5. PeterKD: complete DAC (item 6)
6. schallundrauch: complete DAC (item 6)
7. msaywitz: DAC module + amanero + output stage + transformer + chassis (Complete set: Item 6)

2/Choice 2: output stage only
1. CAAD: output stage only
2. Blackberry: output stage only
3. claudio52: Output stage only
4. Erlend Sæterdal: Output stage only
5. rredline: Output stage only
6. danny_66: output stage only
7. linuxfan: output stage only
8. gjorgji: output stage only

3/ Choice 3: DAC complete without output stage
1. sandor: Complete DAC without output stage
2. Stenachio: Complete DAC without output stage
3. Nick F: Complete DAC exclude output stage
4. Mas Penk: DAC module + amanero + transformer + chassis

4/ Choice 4:
1. smokingdog: DAC module + output stage
2. gde3: DAC module + amanero + transformer
3. vmoreau: DAC Module
4. brgds: DAC + output stage + amanero
5. anjogi: amanero + DAC + output stage + transformer
6. Jazzbear: DAC module + output stage + transformer
7. frankwilker: DAC module + Amanero module + output stage
8. NKL: DAC module + Amanero module+output stage+transformer
9. ervstil: DAC module + Amanero + output stage + silver buttons for control board
10. rowli: DAC module + amanero + transformer
11. Claudio M. DAC module + amanero + output stage + LL1684 pcb + transformer
12. ceausuc: Amanero
13. xtomm: DAC module + output stage

Change my order - add dac module.

Thanks xtomm

 

[linuxfan]

- What are the power reqirement of the transformer?
18VA - 0-18VAC /500mA for one channel

Ouch! 500mA per channel. I'm guessing the actual current draw is approx half that figure (?) but it's still significant - no wonder these boards have so many heatsinks.
I was intending to locate my DAC in a restricted space ... I may need to reconsider using a passive output solution.

 

[gjorgji]

Ouch! 500mA per channel. I'm guessing the actual current draw is approx half that figure (?) but it's still significant - no wonder these boards have so many heatsinks.
I was intending to locate my DAC in a restricted space ... I may need to reconsider using a passive output solution.

If that's the case then the owners of DAC v1 are out of luck. I think the R-core for 18V winding were like 150mA. So even with parallel secondaries still not close to 500mA.