[smuh]

I am quite sure that at least some of these kits were discussed here before, but the sellers usually only mention the sample rate and that it is a DIY kit, which is not really helping me to figure out which kit might be better then the other one.
As you can probably guess by now, I am in search of an assembled DIY DAC kit. Assembled because my soldering skills are good enough for interconnects and thats probably it, another thing is that at least some parts are quite expensive if bought in the quantities I would need them.
Searching on ebay I found the following DIY DAC kits:

24-bit/192kHz Audio DAC * MADE IN AUSTRIA* bei eBay.de: D A-Wandler (endet 02.12.08 13:43:41 MEZ)

UPGRADED 24bit/192KHz DAC KIT,TOROID TRAN,CS4398, 8416. bei eBay.de: Processors (endet 04.12.08 18:15:22 MEZ)

24bit/192KHz DAC DIY KIT , FULL ASSEMBLED KIT bei eBay.de: Processors (endet 04.12.08 18:15:44 MEZ)

Which one does look best stock? And which one would be the best pick if I want to go aheand and mod?

Oh, of course if you want to point me to another assebled DAC I will gladly take any recommendation

but would like to stay under 200 USD for now (for the KIT, excluding upgrades).

Thanks,
smuh

 

[FallenAngel]

TwistedPearAudio.com

 

[Uncle Bob]

If you just want an assembled DAC unit, the Beresford TC-7510 has a good reputation on some of the UK Hifi forums.

 

[J.P.6]

The 'noodle DAC' is the most popular one, which people in this thread are using. http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/noo...pecial-354407/

This is the one in question: High Grade 24bit/192khz DAC with fully assembled kits on eBay, also, CD Players, Home Audio Hi Fi, Consumer Electronics (end time 01-Dec-08 08:10:35 GMT)

 

[smuh]

Thanks!

Having no clue what I am talking about (as always) and just going through the threads it seems that the Opus is more or less the "best" option in price range.

If I will notice any difference... most probably not

 

[fordgtlover]

^

I would have thought the that the Opus DAC is quite a bit more expensive than the last two ebay options.

 

[majkel]

It's a false statement that the OPA2107 iss "brilliant" in the DIY DAC mentioned here. Start from placing the OPA2228 in it. Then play further with many other mods.

Then realize no dual op-amp is good enough, etc.

 

[MASantos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordgtlover /img/forum/go_quote.gif ^ I would have thought the that the Opus DAC is quite a bit more expensive than the last two ebay options.

Yeah, but the quality is probably quite a bit better.

 

[majkel]

Stock DIY DAC is nothing special, well modified is able to compete with the North Star 192 MkI for instance, say I prefer the DIY one.

 

[fordgtlover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by majkel /img/forum/go_quote.gif It's a false statement that the OPA2107 iss "brilliant" in the DIY DAC mentioned here. Start from placing the OPA2228 in it. Then play further with many other mods. Then realize no dual op-amp is good enough, etc.

The OPA2107 sounds fine to me. To the extent that I didn't bother trying other op amps. I have a spare OPA2228. I might try it tomorrow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MASantos /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah, but the quality is probably quite a bit better.

My little ebay DAC has cost me about AU$150 (US$100). The OPUS DAC would cost about AU$550 (US$330).

I am not disputing whether the OPUS DAC sounds better as I haven't heard one yet, but of course I hope to one day. I am pretty happy with the value for money of the ebay DAC.