Gamma-2 (γ2) DAC Thread

[GWorlDofSPACE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beefy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh, I get you. You want to mount the caps outside the case. I saw the B2, and thought it was a typo for B22 amp. Yeah, that still seems like a bad solution to a problem that doesn't actually exist.

There is actual not a problem but I think whit MKP output caps the sound would improve. Its just experimenting not a problem - solution hunt.

 

[madstudio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amb /img/forum/go_quote.gif How about reading the official websites? The γ1 Modular Miniature DAC The γ2 Compact High Performance DAC

Thanks, I asked about it because I have already build the IIS receiver board with DIR9001. Now, when I read the official site
Quote:

γ2 could also used standalone as an upgrade DAC for any device that already has an I²S bus (e.g., A CD player or digital media player). Simply connect the I²S bus to the γ2 board and hook up a 5V DC power supply. See the instructions section for details. On the γ2 board, the digital audio stream is upsampled to 24-bit 96KHz by an asynchronous sample rate converter (ASRC) and then converted to analog with Wolfson's top-of-the-line ΔΣ oversampling DAC chip. An onboard ultra-low jitter oscillator provides the master clock for the ASRC and DAC chips. A high-performance analog output stage serves as a balanced-unbalanced converter, low-pass filter and line-drive buffer.

I figured that onboard ultra-low jitter oscillator will improve the overall jitter performance. Mine reciever board with DIR9001 measures around 50ps. Can you tell me what amount of jitter should I expect with "gamma2" board?

 

[GWorlDofSPACE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by madstudio /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks, I asked about it because I have already build the IIS receiver board with DIR9001. Now, when I read the official site I figured that onboard ultra-low jitter oscillator will improve the overall jitter performance. Mine reciever board with DIR9001 measures around 50ps. Can you tell me what amount of jitter should I expect with "gamma2" board?

Less then 1ps.

 

[madstudio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GWorlDofSPACE /img/forum/go_quote.gif Less then 1ps.

thanks

 

[BoogieWoogie]

Hey guys I'm really undecided wether to get gamma y2 or the parasound-dac-1000.

Since you are the makers I'm hoping you could give an honest opinion if the parasound should be better looking that the specs if you never listened to one.

 

[MASantos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoogieWoogie /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey guys I'm really undecided wether to get gamma y2 or the parasound-dac-1000. Since you are the makers I'm hoping you could give an honest opinion if the parasound should be better looking that the specs if you never listened to one.

I was going to talk about this earlier when we were speaking.

From the "numbers" point of view, the gamma2 uses more recent and modern IC's, which have better specs and theoretical performance.

However, music is not about numbers and there are a number of cases of vintage gear sounding better than more recent equipment.

Many people still prefer the sound of non oversampling DACs as the TDA1543 and still it measures worse than most modern chips.

So in the end it is always a matter of preferences and what sounds good to your ears. If you can, listening to both is the best way to decide, but it comes with a price. Since you liked the sound of the DACmagic, going with the gamma2 sounds like a good option as the DAC architecture is the same, with a different implementation, but still much more similar than the parasound (specifications).

 

[rds]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoogieWoogie /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey guys I'm really undecided wether to get gamma y2 or the parasound-dac-1000. Since you are the makers I'm hoping you could give an honest opinion if the parasound should be better looking that the specs if you never listened to one.

Going by specs the Gamma 2. Going by Headfier opinions... may god help you

 

[jarpatus]

Hi,

Just quick question, would it be bad idea to use PANASONIC ECA0JAM471X 470UF 6.3V as C20 and C26, because I can't find those recommended Nichion KW or FW caps anywere and I may wan't to use gamma2 without amp occasionally. Dimensions seems to be the same (well, Panasonic is 0.2mm taller) as well as basic specs and those seems to be for audio applications as well. But don't know if there's something more complicated to consider.

Ps. Actually, even 47Kohm miniature resistors are out of stock everywhere in Finland, uh oh... Ordered some Welwyn resistors, they are 0.1mm thicker than max specified dimensions, I hope they will still fit if carefully positioned... And also SRC4192IDB is out of stock, have to build firs version without upsampling :/

 

[amb]

jarpatus, you can use any audio-grade 470uF cap there, as long as it fits. Whether you like the "sound" is for you to decide.

 

[mace1337]

I checked it for you jarpatus, and it looks like that the only 470uF, min. 6.3v capacitor with a width of max. 6.3mm that Farnell has is the one you chose, and a Rubycon ZLH.

Mouser has a pretty good selection though, they have the Nichicons ES, KW, FW and all that, and they deliver anywhere in the world for free if your order is over 75€

 

[fordgtlover]

^
I really didn't like the Rubycon ZLH as output caps on the Gamma1 - way too harsh.

 

[mace1337]

About that, what's the difference between ZL and ZLH?

 

[Beefy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mace1337 /img/forum/go_quote.gif About that, what's the difference between ZL and ZLH?

About 1 'H' I'd guess......

 

[mace1337]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beefy /img/forum/go_quote.gif About 1 'H' I'd guess......

 

[simwells]

Just looking at ordering the necessary parts to build my Gamma-2 now, but was wondering if there was a paticular reason the recommended capacitors for the multilayer ceramic capacitor X7R 1µF 25V were these;

EPCOS|B37984M5105K|CAPACITOR, 1UF, 50V | Farnell United Kingdom

These add up to a lot when I add the neccesary number, was wondering if there was a cheaper but equally good alternative available?

Something like this maybe?

VISHAY BC COMPONENTS|K105M20X7RF53H5|Ceramic Multilayer Capacitor | Farnell United Kingdom