The Soekris R-2R DAC: Technical Details

[mscott58]

  anyone own the Soekris dac1101 yet ?

We have one we're doing some auditions with, and will have some thoughts soon. Early impressions are very positive, with some of that wonderful R2R smoothness. 

 

[AxelCloris]

I believe mine is fully burned-in and I've started doing some listening tests. The main DACs that I have on hand for comparison are the Chord Mojo, which is a DAC/amp combo like the dac1101, and the Schiit Bifrost Multibit which is a dedicated desktop DAC. I only have the dac1101 for a bit longer so I'll start posting impressions shortly and then a full review.

 

[mscott58]

Don't know why more people aren't talking about this great little DAC! It's really emotionally involving and has all the great R2R goodness! 
 
Compared to the Chord Mojo it's not as resolving, but I'd give it the edge on involvement, really conveying the emotion of the music versus being too heavily focused on passing along every last detail. I love them both, and it really is almost a solid-state versus tube type of thing, where they are different flavors and I like them both. More testing to be done (especially now that I have them paired with a Cavalli Liquid Gold - what an awesome amp!) but this DAC1101 should be on your list of DAC's to listen to. 
 
Curious to see how your thoughts compare Brian! 
 
Cheers 

 

[AxelCloris]

Curious to see how your thoughts compare Brian! 

Cheers 

Working on the write up now. Took a bit longer than expected because I'm packing the house at the same time. Should be done soon.

 

[wushuliu]

Working on the write up now. Took a bit longer than expected because I'm packing the house at the same time. Should be done soon.

 
Well?

 

[alvin1118]

My Soekris r2r DAC will be ready soon !

 

[bimmer100]

My Soekris r2r DAC will be ready soon !

Could you please explain all the pcbs you have there in the photo? I would love to know if they are available to purchase online if they could suit my project. I'm still open to options those look like they might have potential for a cool low profile build.

 

[s82223]

Can anyone compare dam1021 and other dac at different price tag?
 
I heard someone said his um-mod dam1021 can easily beat mytek 192 in terms of details and SQ.
(someone said dam1021 is comparable to other $2000 level dac).
 
Can anyone give some thought about that?

 

[wushuliu]

Can anyone compare dam1021 and other dac at different price tag?

I heard someone said his um-mod dam1021 can easily beat mytek 192 in terms of details and SQ.
(someone said dam1021 is comparable to other $2000 level dac).

Can anyone give some thought about that?

I have read the newer soekris revision competes with yggdrasil.

 

[s82223]

I have read the newer soekris revision competes with yggdrasil.

That's unbelievable !!
 
Unfortunately, I have no chance to audit it or I can tell if it's true or not.

 

[RudeWolf]

Well, it has the ability punch really above its weight. However - you'd need to implement it right.
 
Mine sounds really good, however I have no way of comparing it to Yggdrasil.

 

[taz23]

Could you please explain all the pcbs you have there in the photo? I would love to know if they are available to purchase online if they could suit my project. I'm still open to options those look like they might have potential for a cool low profile build.

Alvin is using the 1021 board to make a desktop DAC/amp unit. More details are at www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=223862.0

I ordered one myself and can't wait to hear it.

 

[drez]

.

 

[abartels]

 

   
So, you need:
 
one piece http://www.diyinhk.com/shop/audio-kits/89-08uv-ultralow-noise-dac-power-supply-regulator-3357v-15ax2.html
with 1 psu set at 3.3V (needs 6VAC preferably, please do not feed with 15V since regulator has to dissipate a lot and gets hot) (I would say not beyond 9Volts)
with 1 psu set at 5V (needs 8VAC preferably, please do not feed with 15V since regulator has to dissipate a lot and gets hot) (I would say not beyond 12 Volts)
 
one piece http://www.diyinhk.com/shop/audio-kits/88-08uv-ultralow-noise-dac-power-supply-regulator-91215v-15ax2.html
set at +/- 12V (needs 15V-0-15V transformer)
 
PSU's can deliver 500mA without extra cooling.

 
Those AC voltages are RMS right?  I was confused about this and ordered transformers with 9VAC secondaries, which if I understand correctly producemore than 12VRMS which would produce way too much heat.
 
Also has anyone understood this mod swapping out all the capacitors on the DIYNHK LT3042 PSU?  

Yes, RMS. Also, don't forget, when orderering for example a 10V 30W R-Core without any specs in addition, you probably will receive a transformer which will give you 10V in LOADED condition,
but since we in audio land like a lot over capacity, it's better to order a transformer which will give the asked voltage when UNLOADED
 
Btw, the +/- 12V diyinhk psu needs TWO SEPERATE windings, and not 12-0-12, my mistake, had to order new transformers back then.....

 

[drez]

Yes, RMS. Also, don't forget, when orderering for example a 10V 30W R-Core without any specs in addition, you probably will receive a transformer which will give you 10V in LOADED condition,
but since we in audio land like a lot over capacity, it's better to order a transformer which will give the asked voltage when UNLOADED

Btw, the +/- 12V diyinhk psu needs TWO SEPERATE windings, and not 12-0-12, my mistake, had to order new transformers back then.....

Thanks for reply.

I think that mod to the LT3042 kit was to fix some issues the OP identified. I might try that on one side, also maybe try a simpler no-feedback PSU eg. AudioGD and see what sounds best. Unfortunately I have no way to measure the noise output...