[Daedalus1116]

Has anyone built a diy portable DAC/Amp with good sound? I'm currently looking to get one but really want to build one myself.
Thanks

 

[muskyhuntr]

Take a look at AMB's Y1.5.  Note that it is USB only.
 
Me

 

[Daedalus1116]

Thanks, it looks very nice. How is the sound?

 

[muskyhuntr]

I'm in the process of building my own, so I can't comment personally but  reviews by other builders have been very positive.  I have built other AMB projects before and all of them have turned out stellar.  Support on the AMB forum is also first class.
 
Me

 

[TBomb06]

  Has anyone built a diy portable DAC/Amp with good sound? I'm currently looking to get one but really want to build one myself.
Thanks

 
I had previously built a couple of Carrie amp/Grub DAC combos that I thought sounded really great when you consider the size and limitations of using a USB powered amp and DAC combo. The Carrie amp is essentially a Mini 3 but designed for USB power only rather than batteries, which allows room for the onboard DAC. Unfortunately, the Carrie boards are not available at present, but Joneeboi is working on a new version that will hopefully be out sometime this year.
 
If you don't want to wait, and don't mind spending a bit more money, then I would have to second the recommendation for the new y1.5 from AMB as well. It is a step up in technical ability from the Carrie/Grub combo, and I'm sure it will sound fantastic. As the boards have just been released, I have not had an opportunity to build one or listen to one either, but hopefully will get around to it at some point soon. If you want a one-cable solution for power and data transfer, it's probably your best bet in the DIY world at the moment.

 

[00940]

Well, I did my own: http://www.head-fi.org/t/733177/usb-powered-dac-amp-musings/30
 
Works really well