O2 vs TOTL

[chrislangley4253]

I'm kind of hoping for that. I'm tired of seeing an interesting discussion being restricted because it oversteps the thread classification. Sometimes I learn the most interesting things from off-topic posts, which makes the case for reasonable flexibility in subject matter (in my opinion). Although it still doesn't make sense to me that a thread comparing amps and discussing related subjects would be moved into the Sound Science forum in the first place, DBT or no DBT. 

Since the ODA will be very similar, if not mostly identical to the O2 (based on the design, from what I've read), would it be possible to discuss it in this thread or do we have to make a new thread for that? Should we just start it in Sound Science to avoid the inevitable forum hopping? I feel like everything is unnecessarily over-complicated :S.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the ODA+ODAC: I hope more comparisons with high end gear are made when that combo is released.

I can make similar threads for the odac and for the ODA when they drop. Personally, I plan to keep them separated.

 

[maverickronin]

I can't wait for the ODAC...

 

[PeachesNCream]

Quote:

I can't wait for the ODAC...

I'm more excited for the ODA+C...

 

[maverickronin]

Quote:

I'm more excited for the ODA+C...

I think I'm going to put an Objective2 with batteries, ODAC and a crossfeed circuit in one of the longer versions of the O2s enclosure to make a pretty awesome transportable all in one box.
 

 

[2000impreza]

Quote:

I think I'm going to put an Objective2 with batteries, ODAC and a crossfeed circuit in one of the longer versions of the O2s enclosure to make a pretty awesome transportable all in one box.
 

Sounds like a interesting idea. Make sure you post up pics of the build if you get around to it. I haven't decided if I am going to use the ODAC as standalone or integrated in the O2/ODA.
 
Other related news "V" released the ODAC details along with measurements. Looks like it is ESS Sabre ES9023 based DAC. Similar to the O2 in that it offers a lot of value for the money.  JDSlabs is taking completed PCB pre-orders for $99. Add a case and it is a heck of a deal.

 

[Draygonn]

I think I'm going to put an Objective2 with batteries, ODAC and a crossfeed circuit in one of the longer versions of the O2s enclosure to make a pretty awesome transportable all in one box.

That will be a cool setup.

The ODAC should be available end of May.

 

[estreeter]

I expect that Oliver has posted this elsewhere, but its all good. This is from his latest email - I've omitted his pricing but thats all available on the Epiphany website. 
 
In the last few days we have been working on the launch of the brand new DAC module! It will be available as either a stand alone unit (the E-DAC) or built in to an EHP-O2 headphone amplifier (EHP-O2D). Take your desktop hi-fi system to the next level with a high end 24 bit DAC.
 

The E-DAC is a stand alone USB digital-to-analogue converter which comes in a small form factor aluminium enclosure with custom front and rear panels. Input and power is supplied via the USB input on the rear of the unit. The line level analogue output is via a 3.5mm jack. The E-DAC will take your computer audio to the next level and when coupled with the EHP-O2 provides an audiophile experience far beyond their price level.
 
This high end DAC is based on the TE7022L UAC1 engine ES9023 24 bit DAC chip. It supports 16bit and 24bit at sample rates of 44.1kHz, 44kHz and 96kHz. The on-board filtered power supply ensures that noise is practically non-existent.

 

[DarkSleip]

V himself has just announced the official final specs

 

[estreeter]

Great - I guess the commercial vendors can look forward to lengthy pre-orders. I had to wait a couple of months for the EHP-02 - I expect that the new units will take even longer. 

 

[LizardKing1]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the ODAC is not open-source. So I don't get this part:
 
 

George has supplied other open source USB DAC boards at reasonable prices and seems to be well respected on diyAudio.

 
'Other' implies his USB DAC is open-source. Which it's not, and I don't really see the reason. Ok, it's really complicated for me to assemble, I get it, so because I probably couldn't do it I won't get to do it at all? I really like his work, and I believe he isn't getting a dime out of this after spending quite a lot on something for everyone to enjoy. And I could understand if it was to avoid having cheap ODAC copies floating around eBay. But justifying it with "it's too complicated" sounds suspicious.

 

[maverickronin]

Quote:

Great - I guess the commercial vendors can look forward to lengthy pre-orders. I had to wait a couple of months for the EHP-02 - I expect that the new units will take even longer. 

I'm already on the preorder list...
 
Waiting, waiting...

 

[estreeter]

My advice is to cut back on the caffeine and settle in for a lengthy wait. In the meantime, you can run your own measurements on the existing 02. 

 

[maverickronin]

Quote:

'Other' implies his USB DAC is open-source. Which it's not, and I don't really see the reason. Ok, it's really complicated for me to assemble, I get it, so because I probably couldn't do it I won't get to do it at all? I really like his work, and I believe he isn't getting a dime out of this after spending quite a lot on something for everyone to enjoy. And I could understand if it was to avoid having cheap ODAC copies floating around eBay. But justifying it with "it's too complicated" sounds suspicious.

 
Probably just a typo.
 
The thing about the ODAC is that you can't DIY it at all, no mater how good your SMD skills are, unless you can get a hold of grey market USB and DAC chips.  The companies won't even sell them to you unless sign a silly contract about redistribution, minimum quantities, etc.  They just aren't sold individually.  Maybe he could have gone with a different DAC chip but the USB chip is pretty much the only choice for 24/96 without special drivers, huge price increases, or both.
 
Given that, to a fist approximation, no one could DIY it even if they wanted to he has to find someone to take the risk of making them and they won't want to do it if the whole design is public.  You have to commit to buy a large enough quantity of those chips that someone with leet soldering skilz can't just place an order with Mouser or something and build a few on the side to see how it goes like with the O2.  There's way more upfront investment.

 

[maverickronin]

Quote:

My advice is to cut back on the caffeine and settle in for a lengthy wait. In the meantime, you can run your own measurements on the existing 02. 

I'll be happy to just as soon as someone sends my an audio analyzer. 

 
In the meantime I have orthos to mod...

 

[proton007]

So right now it seems like only the assembled pcb is for sale. Putting it in the O2 enclosure will require a change of the back plate and removal of batteries...
I guess the JDS labs option for a separate enclosure is the one to go for.