[darkswordsman17]

So I was looking on eBay when I came across an interesting DAC.

http://cgi.ebay.com/24-Bit-PCM1794A-DAC-SPDIF-OPT-129DB-SNR-THD-N-0004-/320657125639?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa8a77107
 
Its a BB PCM1794 based DAC, with just SPDIF and Coax input, but claimed balanced output (1/4" TRS) and regular RCA out. In an aluminum (looks polished) enclosure with wood end pieces. For $199.
 
Googled and didn't find much, but did find his website:
http://members.cox.net/rossmartin1/index.htm
 
He also has a dual PCM1794 version (run in dual mono), with two SPDIF and coax, one AES input, one USB (no idea what it supports through there though). Then for output it has the same as the single (balanced TRS and regular RCA), but also has a head-amp, although its just based on the TI TPA6120. This one for $399.
 
You can also buy versions with upgraded opamps (two listed, and the upgrade prices seem pretty high, no idea if they're swappable).

 

[Rollin]

I came across that site a week or so ago and curious too wondering if anyone has tried them out. Will be watching this thread too. Real responsive to e-mails - I was asking about a BNC out and he said "yes we will build the dac any way you want!"

 

[bixby]

I'll post my impressions of a semi custom Ross Martin dac in a week or so.

 

[pasgod]

Quote:

I'll post my impressions of a semi custom Ross Martin dac in a week or so.

In what your Dac is semi custom ? Do you ask to make something special ?

 
 

 

[pasgod]

Do you have 1 or 2 PCM 1794 ?
Which op amps have you choosen ?
What kind of power supply is it ? Wallwart ?
 
Thanks. I look forward to read you.

 

[milosz]

Ross Martin DACs?
 

 

[john57]

Great, I would like to hear you review!

 

[log0]

I'm waiting to hear back too. Please do post your impressions! Thanks.

 

[Rollin]

How is it sounding?

 

[taktell]

It sounds spectacular. Each voice and instrument is distinct with a warm sound-stage, I truly cannot believe that such sound clarity can originate with my somewhat older model pc. I spent a few weeks researching DACs and USB converters on line, including Musical Fidelity, HRT Music Streamer, and Music Hall among others. I found the Ross Martin devices while googling the Burr Brown PCM 1794 and saw little difference between the DAC/USB converters selling at 3 to 5x's the price and Ross Martin's products and  decided to take the chance. . You can actually hear strings resonate .  .       .......               ...      Just plug and play as this DAC is instantly recognized by your pc and enjoy. The sound quality via the PCM1794 OPA1611   is a substantial improvement from my Kenwood CD player and Ross and company are great to deal with if you have any questions.

 

[MarioImpemba]

Jesus. Someone teach that guy how to use a camera, lol.

 

[john57]

Not only some blurry pictures on the web site, there is some tiny pictures as well. You can order the equipment on Ebay as well.

 

[wuwhere]

tak, welcome to HF, your first post is a rave on an equipment, sounds promising.

 

[IPodPJ]

Quote:

It sounds spectacular. Each voice and instrument is distinct with a warm sound-stage, I truly cannot believe that such sound clarity can originate with my somewhat older model pc. I spent a few weeks researching DACs and USB converters on line, including Musical Fidelity, HRT Music Streamer, and Music Hall among others. I found the Ross Martin devices while googling the Burr Brown PCM 1794 and saw little difference between the DAC/USB converters selling at 3 to 5x's the price and Ross Martin's products and  decided to take the chance. . You can actually hear strings resonate .  .       .......               ...      Just plug and play as this DAC is instantly recognized by your pc and enjoy. The sound quality via the PCM1794 OPA1611   is a substantial improvement from my Kenwood CD player and Ross and company are great to deal with if you have any questions.

Well, as good as it sounds connecting to your PC with USB, it should sound even better with a proper S/PDIF connection.
 

 

[SabreWulf69]

I am thinking about this instead of screwing around with the OPAMP's in the Xonar Essence soundcard. I want the 1611's and 1612's in my soundcard but can't find them anywhere to buy. A separate DAC seems to be the way to go many people have said vs a soundcard. Value for money wise, this one seems to check all the tick boxes. Anybody else got any opinions on these?