Superdac modding - caps in signal path

[1UP]

I recently got an M-Audio Superdac, and wish to mod it, as per a couple of guides on the net.

There are several caps in the analogue signal path - and I've read many times this is a bad thing. I've also read that depending on their purpose, they can sometimes be removed.

Can anyone therefore help me decipher this schematic and explain which caps do what in the circuit, and what mods could be made.

 

[Glassman]

you can bridge C42 & C46.. balance output will have 2.5V DC offset, but the unbalanced will be just fine..

 

[1UP]

Hi G, thanks for that. Tell me, what is the function of the various 10uf and 0.1uf caps around all the opamps?

 

[1UP]

I read the AK datasheet and think it answers my question - certainly they use the 10uf electrolytic and 0.1uf ceramics around the DAC to filter high frequency noise.

I thought ceramic was considered bad choice for this.

 

[Glassman]

no these are supply decoupling caps, on each opamp supply rail leg and near the DAC they are either supply decoupling and/or reference voltage filtering.. low pass filters use ceramics..

 

[motherone]

I've modded out my superdac fairly extensively. I'm using blackgate NX-hiQ 47uF's in there (in case I want to use the balanced outs at some point).

You can reach about it here, if you're interested:

http://www.motherone.com/projects/superdac/

It's a pretty dang good DAC..