The Ultimate DAC Comparison thread

[mewrei]

Ok so the thread is in no way ultimate right now, but rather a work in progress to what has potential to be a (hopefully) informative thread targeted towards DIY DACs, for both objective and subjective opinions regarding each device.

I'll start off by picking a few DACs and giving some technical information about those DACs, and I'll add to the this post as more information floats in, so feel free to contribute.



AMB Gamma-1 (y1)

1. DAC: Wolfson WM8501 (uses a TI PCM2707 for USB integration for a maximum sampling of 48kHz at 16 bits)
2. THD: 0.0010%-0.0021%/-100dB <-> -93.5dB
3. Approximate Cost to Build: ~$80 (Full++ Config; no case or faceplates, add $50 for both)
4. Tweaks: AMB o11 linear power supply for cleaner power, y2 as an addon
5. Features: USB integration, multiple inputs, small formfactor
6. Difficulty Level: Medium, requires soldering high density SMD ICs, BOM is somewhat complex

AMB Gamma-2 (y2)

1. DAC: Wolfson WM8741 (uses a TI SRC4192 ASRC optionally)
2. THD: 0.0014%/-97.07dB (limited by test equipment)
3. Approximate Cost to Build: ~$80 (with ASRC, without case or faceplates, $60 for both, original gamma-1 case does not fit gamma-2 addon, in addition to cost of Gamma-1)
4. Tweaks: Add linestage to test outputs for balanced out
5. Features: Small formfactor, upgrade to the y1, anti-clipping filter
6. Difficulty Level: Medium, requires soldering high density SMD ICs

Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo II

1. DAC: ESS Sable32 ES9018
2. THD: 0.0001259%/-118dB (when used with the IVYIII Linestage, varies based on linestage, power supply, etc; chip itself is -120dB)
3. Approximate Cost to Build: ~$600 (very rough estimate for a very baseline model with very few additional features; likely an underestimate)
4. Tweaks: Many, unit is modular so many linestages, and input modules can be added
5. Features: Highly modular
6. Note: The DAC board itself arrives assembled, but requires a power supply, input module, and a linestage to function properly
7. Impressions: Very detailed, helping extend artificial sounding audio into a more natural state, top end is more "polite" (credits: 1)
8. Difficulty Level: Medium<->High, comes assembled, but requires custom casework and matching with other modules

Twisted Pear Audio Opus

1. DAC: Wolfson WM8741
2. THD: ? (varies based on linestage selection and other factors, DAC chip's THD is -100dB)
3. Approximate Cost to Build: ~$350 (very rough estimate, for a baseline unit with very few additional features; likely an underestimate)
4. Tweaks: Many, highly modular
5. Features: Highly modular
6. Difficulty Level: Medium<->High, requires soldering high density SMD ICs and components, casework, and module matching

TooleAudio BantamDAC

1. DAC: TI PCM2702
2. THD: 0.012%/-78.42dB
3. Approximate Cost to Build: ~$30
4. Tweaks: ?
5. Features: Small, inexpensive, direct USB support, easy to build, USB powered
6. Difficulty Level: Easy (-ish), requires soldering high density SMD ICs and components (capacitors, resistors, etc)

Mute Audio GrubDAC

1. DAC: Wolfson WM8524 (using a TI PCM2707 for USB-to-I2S conversion)
2. THD: 0.0035481%/-89dB
3. Approximate Cost to Build: ~$45 (very rough estimate)
4. Tweaks: ?
5. Features: Small, inexpensive, direct USB support, easy to build, USB powered, directly coupled (no output capacitors)
6. Difficulty Level: Easy<->Medium, requires soldering high density SMD ICs and components

As mentioned this is meant to be a resource so feel free to contribute/correct me. One thing I'd like to add is also the sonic characteristics of each DAC from a subjective viewpoint.

Hopefully this is helpful to some new guys and maybe a few of the experienced guys out there too.

Special thanks: dorkvader

 

[cobaltmute]

Maybe this list will help to look at:

List of DACs Under $450 - diyAudio

 

[00940]

A few ones I'd consider when money isn't getting in the way...

K & K Audio - Lundahl Transformers, audio DIY kits and more , based on PCM1794
Welcome to the Audio DAC page , based on PCM63
Hagerman Technology LLC: Chime Vacuum Tube USB Audio DAC DIY Kit , based on PCM1704

You left out the COD from Twisted Pear btw.

 

[amb]

PCM2707's max is 16/48, not 16/44.1.

 

[mewrei]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amb /img/forum/go_quote.gif PCM2707's max is 16/48, not 16/44.1.

Corrected, thanks Amb.

And I know I left a few out, I'll be adding more to the list as time allows.

 

[johnwmclean]

Well done Mewrei, what agreat idea for a thread.

 

[nattonrice]

You should add that the Grub DAC uses the built in charge pump feature to negate the need for coupling caps.

This is really what differentiates it from the Bantam.

Edit: well that and the Wolfson chip itself =P

 

[mewrei]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nattonrice /img/forum/go_quote.gif You should add that the Grub DAC uses the built in charge pump feature to negate the need for coupling caps. This is really what differentiates it from the Bantam. Edit: well that and the Wolfson chip itself =P

Added, thanks for the info

 

[TheShaman]

Buffalo II's performance will vary a lot depending on the output stage used.
Russ posted some numbers here but these are when used with IVYIII.

 

[mewrei]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnwmclean /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well done Mewrei, what agreat idea for a thread.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheShaman /img/forum/go_quote.gif Buffalo II's performance will vary a lot depending on the output stage used. Russ posted some numbers here but these are when used with IVYIII.

Added, thanks for the info