[luidge]

Hi, i was wondering if it could be possible to build a one solution DAC + AMP in the same case and possibly with only one powersupply. This would probably make a great sounding balanced machine! I am not particularly interested in buying one myself since i never build an amp or dac but would it be a possible project?

And if a DIYer is interested in trying to build one i might be interested to be the wallet in the story.

 

[colonelkernel8]

You could, but it would be unwise, as the DAC would be subject to some severe interference.

Though you could maybe put the DAC part of it in like a small steel case and mount that inside the larger B22 case.

 

[swt61]

It's done all the time in portable amps, and could certainly be done in home unit. I agree that the DAC should be partitioned off from the rest of the case, and that can be done with the simple addition of a few walls inside the case. As for sharing the same power supply, that's probably not the best idea, but I'll let the experts comment further on that.

 

[Nebby]

The amp and dac have completely different power requirements, so you can't use the same power supply. I have also thought of doing the same thing, but I like the modularity of having separate boxes more, so they'll stay separate.

 

[tomb]

As swt61 says, this has been done a lot. The Alien DAC has been paired up with several DIY amps in the same case - the PIMETA and I think the M3. There is at least one MAX builder who has incorporated a DAC into his MAX, although it's something other than the Alien, I believe.

Running from the same power supply is not an issue if you leave the DAC USB-powered. If you want a higher voltage regulated supply, then you would have to locate the power supply for the DAC in the same case, too. Powering it from the same power supply as the amp would present a problem since the amp's voltage is often much higher than the typical 5V wanted by a DAC. However, that's not insurmountable and has been done, too.

As for interference, I don't see it - the digital portion is inherently shielded with the USB plug and cable - or unshielded, as it were - which is certainly the case inside a PC with USB, soundcards, etc.. As for the output, that should be no more interference prone than our ubiquitous RCA inputs - more than likely, they would be one in the same.

 

[Nebby]

The opus dac is not able to be powered via usb, at least as far as I know....

 

[tomb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nebby /img/forum/go_quote.gif The opus dac is not able to be powered via usb, at least as far as I know....

The Opus has an extensive offering of power supplies, connectivity, etc. The rest of what I stated in that post would apply re: amp voltage vs. DAC PS voltage.

EDIT: Incorporate a regulator with a big enough heat sink and anything is possible. Perhaps not optimum, but possible.

 

[Nebby]

That's what I also inferred in my original post

btw, we are talking about the twisted pear audio opus dac, right?

 

[tomb]

This is sort of a pointless discussion. It's D-I-Y. It can be made to work. Whether it's a good choice is a different question.

 

[Nebby]

Well IMHO this pointless discussion is rather more productive than other discussions on this board

I agree, it can be made to work

 

[MegaMeee]

I'm thinking that I would look for a higher quality dac than the opus for a balanced b22... iv'e never heard the opus... its probably very good... but I would at least want a dac with a proper i/v stage... The opus is designed to be a pretty simple dac after all... not sure I would classify the b22 as pretty simple.


Still I am probably in a similar situation... I prefer the convenience of pc based audio so maybe I'll build a usb opus... but I would love to build a nice balanced amp for my k1000's..

 

[tomb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nebby /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well IMHO this pointless discussion is rather more productive than other discussions on this board I agree, it can be made to work

OK - perhaps "pointless" was a poor choice of words. I meant that it didn't matter so much which DAC - it can be made to work. Sorry for that lapse.

 

[luidge]

Ok tjhank you for your answer guys.
In fact what i am after is a balanced setup for my HD650.
If it ain't iin the same casing i wont mind at all, only that i am a big fan of one equipement to do it all. But a well complementary stack is also interesting.
Also how much would these two cost me in total approximatively in parts for the best parts without going boutique?

 

[luidge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MegaMeee /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm thinking that I would look for a higher quality dac than the opus for a balanced b22...

What DAC would you go after in DIY spirit? I am interested in the OPUS because he is the only balanced DIY dac that i am aware of. If you have a better idea i am all hear.

 

[tomb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by luidge /img/forum/go_quote.gif What DAC would you go after in DIY spirit? I am interested in the OPUS because he is the only balanced DIY dac that i am aware of. If you have a better idea i am all hear.

That post surprised me as well. If you believe only half of the rep, the OPUS is the best thing going right now.