MonkeysAteMe
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2006
- Posts
- 116
- Likes
- 0
Is there a really thorough writeup for a DAC that a complete noob at electronics could follow? I can't read schematics and stuff. Thanks.
Help me build a DAC
- Thread starter MonkeysAteMe
- Start date
FallenAngel
Headphoneus Supremus
Uhm... not sure if a DAC is a great idea as a first project, but all DIY DACs available do come with a PCB (can't really use a DAC ship without it) so it shouldn't be that hard to simply solder on all the components and hope for the best. I wouldn't suggest building a DAC as a first project though, because if something goes wrong, you'll have lots of fun trying to figure it out. But then again, I don't really know much about this stuff either and was able to built quite a few amps and 2 dacs already so it's not impossible. Still I would recommend, build something small to understand how things work, then move up to harder projects like DACs.
MonkeysAteMe
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2006
- Posts
- 116
- Likes
- 0
Are there any smaller projects you would suggest(besides an amp)?
MisterX
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2002
- Posts
- 3,880
- Likes
- 23
Sounds like this inexpensive "half kit" from US Hi-FiDIY site would be perfect for you.
http://us.hifidiy.net/Article.asp?ArticleId=174
I call it a "half kit" because you will need to supply a case, IO jacks and a power supply.
The only tricky part is soldering the smd CS8414 chip and even that is pretty easy.
(it took me less then 2 hours to build one with a tread PSU in a hammond case)
http://us.hifidiy.net/Article.asp?ArticleId=174
I call it a "half kit" because you will need to supply a case, IO jacks and a power supply.
The only tricky part is soldering the smd CS8414 chip and even that is pretty easy.
(it took me less then 2 hours to build one with a tread PSU in a hammond case)
Garbz
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- May 19, 2004
- Posts
- 3,573
- Likes
- 14
If you stuff up a DAC build then you often need expensive tools such as oscillioscopes to locate the problem. DACs are no beginner projects.
ezkcdude
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2006
- Posts
- 1,000
- Likes
- 19
As someone who only got into this DIY stuff in February, let me list the steps I took up until finishing my DAC project recently:
1) Browse the DIY forums - this will help you figure out what people are doing, where they agree/disagree, etc.
2) Figure out what project you want to tackle (I chose to design/build a DAC)
3) Read a good book on electronics. My suggestion is "Art of Electronics". You don't need to understand all the nitty gritty, but at least, get a handle of the major aspects.
4) No matter what you decide for #2, build or design something easier first. I made a dual linear regulated power supply.
5) Once you successfully finish your first "starter" project, you are ready to move on to the next step.
6) Go back to the forums. You will now have more knowledge and practical experience, and will be better able to ask questions and get good feedback for your problem.
7) Design schematics -> get advice/suggestions/corrections from forums
8) Revise and finalize schematics.
9) Start on PCB designs...
Well, there's a bunch more steps, but I've probably listed more than enough to last you a good 4-6 months. You can do it, but only if you really set your mind to it, and don't give up. You will get frustrated, but the rewards will be worth it. Believe me. It's an awesome feeling to finish a big project and listen to it playing music.
1) Browse the DIY forums - this will help you figure out what people are doing, where they agree/disagree, etc.
2) Figure out what project you want to tackle (I chose to design/build a DAC)
3) Read a good book on electronics. My suggestion is "Art of Electronics". You don't need to understand all the nitty gritty, but at least, get a handle of the major aspects.
4) No matter what you decide for #2, build or design something easier first. I made a dual linear regulated power supply.
5) Once you successfully finish your first "starter" project, you are ready to move on to the next step.
6) Go back to the forums. You will now have more knowledge and practical experience, and will be better able to ask questions and get good feedback for your problem.
7) Design schematics -> get advice/suggestions/corrections from forums
8) Revise and finalize schematics.
9) Start on PCB designs...
Well, there's a bunch more steps, but I've probably listed more than enough to last you a good 4-6 months. You can do it, but only if you really set your mind to it, and don't give up. You will get frustrated, but the rewards will be worth it. Believe me. It's an awesome feeling to finish a big project and listen to it playing music.
rreynol
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2005
- Posts
- 444
- Likes
- 10
Quote:
I just ordered one of their "extreme TDA1543" kits. Seemed like a pretty neat DAC project.
| Originally Posted by MisterX Sounds like this inexpensive "half kit" from US Hi-FiDIY site would be perfect for you. http://us.hifidiy.net/Article.asp?ArticleId=174 I call it a "half kit" because you will need to supply a case, IO jacks and a power supply. The only tricky part is soldering the smd CS8414 chip and even that is pretty easy. (it took me less then 2 hours to build one with a tread PSU in a hammond case) |
I just ordered one of their "extreme TDA1543" kits. Seemed like a pretty neat DAC project.
ozshadow
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2006
- Posts
- 620
- Likes
- 10
MisterX has the coolest toys. I need to visit !
MisterX
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2002
- Posts
- 3,880
- Likes
- 23
Quote:
Did you order the case as well?
$55 is kinda spendy but it does look like a nice case.
If you are interested:
Here is the Chinese link for the "upgrade module"
http://shop.hifidiy.net/product/121.htm
| Originally Posted by rreynol I just ordered one of their "extreme TDA1543" kits. Seemed like a pretty neat DAC project. |
Did you order the case as well?
$55 is kinda spendy but it does look like a nice case.
If you are interested:
Here is the Chinese link for the "upgrade module"
http://shop.hifidiy.net/product/121.htm
rreynol
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2005
- Posts
- 444
- Likes
- 10
Quote:
No but I still may get it eventually. I figured that I'd mess with the board first before worrying about casing. It is a nice looking chassis though.
Thanks for the link.
| Originally Posted by MisterX Did you order the case as well? $55 is kinda spendy but it does look like a nice case. If you are interested: Here is the Chinese link for the "upgrade module"
http://shop.hifidiy.net/product/121.htm |
No but I still may get it eventually. I figured that I'd mess with the board first before worrying about casing. It is a nice looking chassis though.
Thanks for the link.
Users who are viewing this thread
