General Information
What is the GrubDAC?
The Mute Audio GrubDAC is a ground-referenced, USB-input high-fidelity audio DAC. When assembled properly and attached to the computer via a USB 1.1 port, it will be natively detected in Windows, OSX and Linux without the need of any add-on drivers. Once recognized and setup by the operating system, it will be utilized as a high quality audio device. You can then use your choice of media player to play .wav, .mp3, .flac or other audio files. Output can be connected to your choice of 3.5mm, 1/4", or RCA jacks depending upon what you wish to attach to the board.
The GrubDAC represents one of the smallest layouts yet offered to the DIY community for a USB DAC board. The two-sided board is approximately 1" wide by 2" long and the full spectrum of USB-powered recommended components are included. The use of a TPS regulator ensures a quality power source to the on-board ICs while requiring very few supporting parts. The on-board USB connector is of a Mini-USB type, allowing for use of mini-USB cables which are becoming standard in the industry. Despite its small size, the GrubDAC utilizes a ground-referenced design which needs no output capacitors - just a simple RC filter to deal with out-of-audio-band DAC noise. This provides a clean signal without the colouration issues of coupling capacitors.
Due to the small size of the board, it can also be built as a CableDAC. In this configuration, the on-board USB connector is bypassed using a pig-tailed USB cable soldered directly to the board. This configuration provides an amazing combination of convenience and versatility for quality listening.
The GrubDAC can be built for $25-$30, depending on case and connector selections, making it outstandingly economical as well.
The Mute Audio GrubDAC is a ground-referenced, USB-input high-fidelity audio DAC. When assembled properly and attached to the computer via a USB 1.1 port, it will be natively detected in Windows, OSX and Linux without the need of any add-on drivers. Once recognized and setup by the operating system, it will be utilized as a high quality audio device. You can then use your choice of media player to play .wav, .mp3, .flac or other audio files. Output can be connected to your choice of 3.5mm, 1/4", or RCA jacks depending upon what you wish to attach to the board.
The GrubDAC represents one of the smallest layouts yet offered to the DIY community for a USB DAC board. The two-sided board is approximately 1" wide by 2" long and the full spectrum of USB-powered recommended components are included. The use of a TPS regulator ensures a quality power source to the on-board ICs while requiring very few supporting parts. The on-board USB connector is of a Mini-USB type, allowing for use of mini-USB cables which are becoming standard in the industry. Despite its small size, the GrubDAC utilizes a ground-referenced design which needs no output capacitors - just a simple RC filter to deal with out-of-audio-band DAC noise. This provides a clean signal without the colouration issues of coupling capacitors.
Due to the small size of the board, it can also be built as a CableDAC. In this configuration, the on-board USB connector is bypassed using a pig-tailed USB cable soldered directly to the board. This configuration provides an amazing combination of convenience and versatility for quality listening.
The GrubDAC can be built for $25-$30, depending on case and connector selections, making it outstandingly economical as well.
