[fyleow]

Thinking of adding a DAC to my system because I have crappy sources. What DAC would be the best choice?

The DacKit

Art DIO? Will mod it later with the same things that Bolder Cable does, possibly even add in the jensen transformer mod.

Or the CS4329 DAC Or the CS4329 DAC?

I'll be using this from the SPDIF of my sound card but I might use a cheap CD player with it at a later point (probably one of the budget Sony ones). Kind of reluctant to do the last one because I have to etch my own PCB but I'll do it if it's better.

 

[PinkFloyd]

I'd go for the one you "want" to build. It will be the right choice.

Pinkie

 

[rickcr42]

why not do both ?
better yet do the tube version of the SDS Labs DAC ?

price/performance the DacKit seems to be the bargain.
I would start here and if not satisfied move up to more complicated /expensive designs

 

[aos]

I've made CS4329 DAC by Sheldon. It's not a bad one, and a neat project to do. There are a few issues though, the biggest one is that the chip is no longer in production and you'll have a hell of a time finding one. There are replacements - CS4390 - but that one is obsolete too, and all new chips are SOIC package if not smaller. The other issue is that I don't think the sound would stack up to what's currently available on market - there have been major advances in D/A quality, but mostly the analog section in that design (basically the same filter as in datasheets) doesn't sound as good as it could. Maybe a different opamp would work better (OPA2132 is specified), possibly OPA2228 or OPA2227.

 

[fyleow]

Pinkie I don't really have any preference as to which I would like to build. Any one of them is fine, I just want to get a DAC up and start on a new DIY project.

Rick I really only want to make one DAC for now. Don't want to spend too much money at this point and if I had more than one DAC it would just be sitting there collecting dust. It'll be fun to build but I can spend some of the money into something else like adding crossfeed to my KG amp or making some cables. I would love to do the Tube version but right now it's out of my budget.

aos the CS4390 can be found at Newark in PDIP package but since you said that the design is a bit dated it probably isn't going to be the best choice.

The DacKit seems interesting and it uses the TDA1543 which many people seem to like (at least on DIYaudio.com)....

Seems like a modded Art DIO might provide the best sound quality then? I'm not too sure about the specs on the chips it uses (AK4524) but it seems to be pretty good, or at least better than the others...

 

[rickcr42]

the 1543 chip is almost revered in the non OS mode.I say go forit then report back here with your opinion.
If as good as reported you will not need another DAC.

Plus consider the upgrade path of the DacKit-improved power supplies possible , tube output stage , sin-x filter to correct the upper resdponse tilt - should be a fun 'tweakable" project.

rick

 

[fyleow]

Quote:

Originally posted by rickcr42 the 1543 chip is almost revered in the non OS mode.I say go forit then report back here with your opinion. If as good as reported you will not need another DAC. Plus consider the upgrade path of the DacKit-improved power supplies possible , tube output stage , sin-x filter to correct the upper resdponse tilt - should be a fun 'tweakable" project. rick

The cost of the DacKit is certainly very attractive. If I get it I would probably add in the tube output as well. I don't really know much about electronics though, just handy with a solder iron so tweaking would be quite difficult. I don't even have a clue on how to make a sin x filter....

For the add on tube output wouldn't the AC line being so close to the other components (to power the tube) add noise to the output?

There are mods to be done to the Art DIO as well though so it's really a tossup right now.

Oh and could I just add a crossfeed within the DAC itself by just taking the output from the DAC circuit and wiring it into a crossfeed board before going to RCAs? I want to add in the modified Linkwitz crossfeed but there is no more panel room on my KG amp to put in the extra switches for crossfeed on/off and level.

 

[rickcr42]

if you decide on the DacKit e-mail me andI can setyou in the right direction for the filter , including a tube stage to go with it.

As to the crossfeed , hell put it anywhere you like man

that is the real beauty of DIY , you build to suit YOU !

Just be sure to add a defeat switch for speaker listening

 

[rickcr42]

BTW - have you considered something like this ?

http://headwize2.powerpill.org/proje...ciuff3_prj.htm


You can use the CS4329 or just about any other board and the same goes for the amp stage.