Starting Point Systems portable NOS DAC

[blackscorpio]

Interesting. I don't think mine behaves that way.
Have you tried an optical input to see if that still works?

Thank for the reply.
I will have to check; once I find the cable

 

[blackscorpio]

Interesting. I don't think mine behaves that way.
Have you tried an optical input to see if that still works?

optical input works fine & as intended; works only when OPTICAL input is selected. Whereas, Coax works on both Coax & optical input selected.

 

[zed1975]

hello. I have a question. is it possible to power dac3 with a 12v power supply in parallel be connected via USB to the computer. please help

 

[Dorien]

hello. I have a question. is it possible to power dac3 with a 12v power supply in parallel be connected via USB to the computer. please help

"Battery-powered with a single 9V NiMH battery (optional - but without it you must provide a clean 12V-15V power supply)"

So you can use a power supply but it is not needed in case of USB connection.

 

[richard51]

This dac is probably the best deal quality/price ever for any " basic" system....... I never had to change it ...I cannot fault it...

 

[Dorien]

This dac is probably the best deal quality/price ever for any " basic" system....... I never had to change it ...I cannot fault it...

I agree. I had it for 6 years as my main DAC with different amps. I really liked it.

I have just recently replaced it with a Topping D30 Pro. I can use two amps with this one without pulling out the cables (RCA + XLR out).
It also has a very pleasant analogue sound with better dynamics and bigger output level.

 

[richard51]

Good news! i trust your appreciation then it is useful to have good sound with more connections ...I will keep this in mind ... Thanks ... I have 2 amps too ....

I agree. I had it for 6 years as my main DAC with different amps. I really liked it.

I have just recently replaced it with a Topping D30 Pro. I can use two amps with this one without pulling out the cables (RCA + XLR out).
It also has a very pleasant analogue sound with better dynamics and bigger output level.

 

[vizion]

Hey all, does anyone remember what resistor and cap values Starting Point used ? I had one a looong time ago. I thought it was smooth.

 

[Haden2866]

Hi folks,

I've been asking ChatGPT for some insight into my experience with this DAC. For what it's worth, here's the conversation:

Me:
I have a digital-to-analog convertor (DAC) that uses an old Philips multibit chip, specifically a TDA1543 chip.

Occasionally, this DAC produces what I would describe as a holographic soundstage - the sound does not appear to come from the speakers / earphones. When listening in this state, the sense of detail perceived seems exponentially higher than in a usual listening mode.

I'm unsure if it is related to correct grounding of the audio system, or there is some phase coherence / cancellation effect.

I have other multibit DACs but only the TDA1543 one has produced this phenomenon. I would like to learn more about what is going on, and how to make the effect more reliably repeatable.

ChatGPT:
That’s a fascinating and very specific experience — and you’re definitely not alone in noting the TDA1543’s unique “holographic” soundstage. Let’s break down what might be going on and how to explore it further

Why the TDA1543 Might Sound Holographic

1. R-2R Multibit Architecture
   • The TDA1543 uses a resistor-ladder DAC design, which preserves transient timing and microdynamics more faithfully than many delta-sigma DACs.
   • This timing accuracy can enhance spatial cues and “image depth,” particularly with well-recorded material.
2. No Oversampling / NOS Mode
   • Many TDA1543 implementations are non-oversampling (NOS), avoiding digital interpolation filters that can smear transient edges and alter phase relationships.
   • NOS preserves phase integrity, which can lead to the kind of precise spatial perception you’re describing.
3. Passive Output / Minimal Analog Stages
   • The simpler analog output stages often used with this chip (sometimes resistor-loaded or transformer-coupled) may avoid phase shifts or distortion introduced by active filtering, helping retain subtle ambient cues.
4. Power Supply and Grounding
   • This is a big one. The TDA1543 is extremely sensitive to clean, stable power and grounding. Minor variations in grounding paths, PSU noise, or cable shielding can dramatically affect imaging and perceived resolution.
   • If you’ve experienced the “magic mode” only occasionally, it might correlate with specific power or grounding conditions.
5. Interchannel Phase Coherence
   • Some users speculate that slight interchannel phase alignment errors or even channel crosstalk (within certain tolerances) create psychoacoustic effects that make the soundstage “float” outside the head or beyond the speakers.
   • Your DAC might hit a sweet spot of phase relationships by chance — or due to temperature, voltage, or grounding balance.

Me:
Yes, everything you have said makes sense from my own observations and research.

ChatGPT:
Excellent — you’re clearly attuned to the nuance here, which puts you in a good position to reverse-engineer what’s happening. Let’s build a structured set of experiments and checks to help you triangulate the conditions that produce the “holographic mode.”

1. Environmental & Listener State Checklist

These variables may seem subjective, but perception is key here.

• Time of day (ambient noise lower at night?)
• Listener mood / alertness / relaxation
• Room temperature or lighting (seriously — influences focus)
• Background EM noise (Wi-Fi, phone chargers, nearby gear)

2. Electrical & Grounding Setup

Try to document and control these between sessions:

• Use a linear regulated PSU for the DAC (if external power is used).
• If USB-powered, try isolated USB power or galvanic isolators (like iFi iDefender + separate 5V source).
• Run all system grounds to a single point (star ground).
• Float ground on unused components (lift unused source gear from power or disconnect).
• Disconnect/reconnect gear one-by-one and note soundstage changes.
• Measure ground loop voltages if possible (with multimeter between chassis).

3. Cable and Placement Variables

Interference, impedance, and capacitance can subtly affect coherence.

• Try shorter interconnects or different shielding types (coaxial vs twisted pair).
• Test cable separation — avoid parallel runs of analog and digital lines.
• Try physical placement changes — e.g., DAC closer/farther from amp or source.
• If you use a laptop source, try battery vs plugged-in playback.

4. DAC-Specific Variables

• Run DAC cold vs warm — does the effect happen more often at a certain temperature?
• Try passive vs active I/V stages (if modifiable).
• Adjust supply voltage — the TDA1543 can tolerate 4.5V to 5.5V. Some users run it at 8–9V for a richer sound, with resistors to limit current.

5. Playback Variables

• Use bit-perfect playback software with no DSP (like Foobar with WASAPI or Audirvana).
• Confirm no upsampling is applied by your OS or player.
• Use familiar tracks that have previously triggered the effect — preferably well-recorded acoustic or ambient music with lots of spatial info.
• Try same track at different volumes — does low-level listening enhance spatial perception?

Logging

Create a basic listening log with checkboxes for the above. Keep it quick — the goal is to find patterns without ruining the listening experience.

Things You Could Try to Reproduce the Effect

• Consistent Power Supply: Use a linear regulated PSU with excellent ripple rejection (or battery power) for the DAC. Ensure a very low-noise 5V rail if it’s USB-powered.
• Star Grounding: Try running a dedicated ground line from DAC, amp, and source to a single point. Ground loops or floating grounds can kill depth.
• Shielding & Cable Placement: Minimize EMI/RFI exposure — keep digital and analog cables apart, especially near switching PSUs.
• Isolate USB Ground: If your DAC is USB-fed, try an isolator to break ground continuity and reduce noise from the source device.
• Room Conditions: Surprisingly, even your state (relaxed/focused, day/night, room humidity) and low ambient noise levels can heighten this effect.
• Temperature Drift: The TDA1543 is an old chip and thermally sensitive. It’s possible that internal resistor values drift in a way that aligns “just right” under certain conditions.

 

[westsounds]

They are great sounding DACs, very unusual and analogue sounding. Very nice vocals as well. No digital harshness.

What do these sell for used now in the UK. I have one to get rid of. How much do I ask for?

 

[Haden2866]

They are great sounding DACs, very unusual and analogue sounding. Very nice vocals as well. No digital harshness.

What do these sell for used now in the UK. I have one to get rid of. How much do I ask for?

Hard to say, as Christoph's pricing strategy on fleabay was quite eccentric - it felt like playing 'hook-a-duck' if that makes sense.
I managed to 'hook' a cheap one, but I also saw some go for €350, maybe even more.
There's not much out there like it, it's quite niche. Maybe start high and see if you get a bite. Maybe folks on this thread will be interested.

 

[westsounds]

Hard to say, as Christoph's pricing strategy on fleabay was quite eccentric - it felt like playing 'hook-a-duck' if that makes sense.
I managed to 'hook' a cheap one, but I also saw some go for €350, maybe even more.
There's not much out there like it, it's quite niche. Maybe start high and see if you get a bite. Maybe folks on this thread will be interested.

It is niche, which makes me want to just hold onto it. Trouble is I don't use, may as well let someone else enjoy than hording stuff.

 

[Haden2866]

Hey all, does anyone remember what resistor and cap values Starting Point used ? I had one a looong time ago. I thought it was smooth.

I asked my new BFF, ChatGPT.

They don't have exact values but have suggested some typical ones for a TDA1543 DAC, if that is any help.

 

[richard51]

New dac rival this TDA 1543 by Mariac... I paid it 20 bucks on Ebay bet and keep it for 7 years...It work so well i changed it after a problem... with a button of selection...

I just replace it... By the Douk Q11 driven as the Nos TDA 1543 from an hifimedy optical convertor from my computer USB ...

I wait for a linear supply but as it is it rival the Nos TDA 1543....