DAC progress
- Thread starter xcortes
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I know the DAC is a bit a way from being a "product" but....
Will there be any surface mount componants used in construction? I really HATE working with SMCs. I found nothing awful about the level 2 "Seduction" I built and no issues stuffing a SDS PAS power supply board.....BUT trying to build a Bantam DAC kit with SMCs made me crazy!!!
Not asking for exact price BUT can you give a range? Will the BH DAC be priced more like Seduction or Crack or more like Stereomour, Eros or even Paramount? Guess I am asking if under or over $500 or above $1,000? Should I be saving my pennies or planning to knock over a bank?
Are you planning a contest to name it? Winner gets a,..ahem..., "free one"? My entry for that is "Digital Self Gratification" ("...in Space they can't hear you scream...in cyber-space they can't see you blush")
Kevin R-M
Will there be any surface mount componants used in construction? I really HATE working with SMCs. I found nothing awful about the level 2 "Seduction" I built and no issues stuffing a SDS PAS power supply board.....BUT trying to build a Bantam DAC kit with SMCs made me crazy!!!
Not asking for exact price BUT can you give a range? Will the BH DAC be priced more like Seduction or Crack or more like Stereomour, Eros or even Paramount? Guess I am asking if under or over $500 or above $1,000? Should I be saving my pennies or planning to knock over a bank?
Are you planning a contest to name it? Winner gets a,..ahem..., "free one"? My entry for that is "Digital Self Gratification" ("...in Space they can't hear you scream...in cyber-space they can't see you blush")
Kevin R-M
I got a chance to hear Doc's DAC this past weekend and I can assure you that your patience will be well rewarded!
It was hooked up to a Mac Mini via optical S-PDIF running Amarra. I listened to it on a headphone rig as well as Doc's fantastic sounding multi speaker/multi amp system and even though I'm not a big fan of digital, it sounds chiller-diller-killer!
It was hooked up to a Mac Mini via optical S-PDIF running Amarra. I listened to it on a headphone rig as well as Doc's fantastic sounding multi speaker/multi amp system and even though I'm not a big fan of digital, it sounds chiller-diller-killer!
Unfortunately TOSLINK is limited to 24/96. I think a Mini is a great approach, but it will need some sort of USB or Firewire to SPDIF coax adapter to work all the way to 24/192. Don't have any suggestions about that yet. The next step in John Swenson's investigation of those interfaces was delayed by my getting too many items on my plate past year. But I intend to get this DAC project high up on the development list ASAP.
Dan,
Please don't hate me for asking this, but any ballpark guesses at a price?
I love my current dac, but a NOS 24/192 is not going to be something I can easily overlook, especially considering where it comes from
.
BTW, a friend has recently had some good results with the audiophillio usb to spdif interfaces under osx and linux with MPD.
-- Jim
Please don't hate me for asking this, but any ballpark guesses at a price?
I love my current dac, but a NOS 24/192 is not going to be something I can easily overlook, especially considering where it comes from
.BTW, a friend has recently had some good results with the audiophillio usb to spdif interfaces under osx and linux with MPD.
-- Jim
denti alligator
New member
I less interested in a ballpark price than in a ballpark date when we might be able to buy. This year?
denti alligator
New member
Can someone explain to me the "jitter" problem. What is it? Where does it comes from? What does it sound like? How can it be overcome?
In John's post a few pages back he writes:
What soundcards would support this function?
In John's post a few pages back he writes:
What soundcards would support this function?
AudioDave
New member
This waiting for the Bottlehead DAC is driving me crazy!! If I could place my order now I would. In the mean time to get me by, have any of you built the AMB Laboratories y2 USB DAC and if so what are your impressions? It sounds like a fairly inexpensive substitute for the Bottlehead DAC until it is ready for purchase.
Thanks!
Dave
Thanks!
Dave
AudioDave said:
I was working on building one until my Crack, Foreplay, and Paramount's came in. From what I have read it is a great deal for the money, but...
1) I abhor how the parts list is put together. If you go with it, be sure to print it out and be free with the highlighter. Double, triple, quadruple check your list before you order.
2) It has some very small components so you better have a magnifier of some sort.
3) You will have to solder a lot of SMD's. Here is a link to a kit for practice http://co-bw.com/DIY_Soldering_Practice_Kit.htm#smd The kit is a bit pricey, but you will get a lot of practice. For me, I prefer the "flood and suck" method with SMD's. ("Flood and suck"...goes great with the BH naming scheme.) I do not suck though (that's what she said). I use USA made Qucik Braid-Easy Braid to desolder. Don't waste your time or money on the imported crap from Radio Shack. I tried various suction devices, but he braid works best by far.
I have done a lot of searching for cheap DIY DAC's and they just are not there. The y2 does not cost much, and it does fit the bill for portability and temporary DIY filler until the BH DAC is rolled out.
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