DAC Newbie - advice welcomed

PeteC · Post by **PeteC** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 6:49 pm

Hi All,

I'm fancying getting a couple of DACs to use on the output of the squeezebox, and on the digital out of the old DVD player that use for CD's in the living room
But I'm a complete and utter newbie about DACs tbh.

Can anyone get me stared on the right path ?

I'd prefer kits/DIY than expensive bought stuff really.

Any thoughts on where to start ?

cheers
Pete

simon · Post by **simon** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 9:00 pm

There's a school of thought that says that there's relatively little between well implemented DACs. A very good place to start is one of the cheap ebay DACs - we listened to a number of incarnations at Owston and they're all good, very good. Add an output stage of your choice for valve flavour. There's quite a bit about them here, here's one thread I found: http://www.audio-talk.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3471

Best bit is they're cheap as (expensive) chips. Others will be able to better advise on what differences there are.

pre65 · Post by **pre65** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 9:06 pm

I use the AK4393, but most seem to use the AK4396. If you get a kit make sure it has the surface mount bits already soldered on. Some do, some don't..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_sacat ... _PrefLoc=2

Something like this is about as close you can get to a ready to run unit at a bargain price

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Assembled-AK4 ... 231e95cf22

PeteC · Post by **PeteC** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 12:43 pm

Thanks chaps,
crikey for the money it might be worth getting something already assembled !

this any good you reckon ?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Finished-2496 ... 231f50b75e

cheers
Pete

pre65 · Post by **pre65** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 1:01 pm

PeteC wrote:Thanks chaps,
crikey for the money it might be worth getting something already assembled !

this any good you reckon ?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Finished-2496 ... 231f50b75e

cheers
Pete

Probably the best option if you don't want to play with upgraded components on the PCB. And op amps are easy to change.

I'd go for it at that price.

PeteC · Post by **PeteC** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 1:13 pm

thanks Phil,

anyone had any problems with customs surcharges on items like this from Honkers or China ?

the wording in the listing about possible customs charges puts me off a bit.

cheers
Pete

Ali Tait · Post by **Ali Tait** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 1:31 pm

Yes, but at the price, surcharges won't be a lot.

These are good even bog standard, but can respond well to tweaks. Changing the op amp and the input cap on the sp/dif is well worth it IMHO. If you want to go further, try a valve output stage. There is also a marathon thread on these dacs on diyaudio with loads of tweaks.

PeteC · Post by **PeteC** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 1:33 pm

thanks Ali,

brill....yes I would like to tweak and would definitely be looking at adding valve gain stage as well.

will read up on diyaudio. spent a lot of time there when I was building gear for the home studio.

cheers
Pete

Dave the bass · Post by **Dave the bass** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 1:54 pm

I've never had problems with stuff from Hongkers or China Pete, whereas Canada and the US, yes on occasions.

I'm another user of that DAC too, s'great IMO.

DTB

pre65 · Post by **pre65** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 2:11 pm

It's on DIY Audio, only 235 pages so far.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital- ... 532-a.html

I can't ever remember paying duty on Far East parts. only USA.

PS the 4393 and 4396 are very similar.

PeteC · Post by **PeteC** » Thu Dec 27, 2012 12:01 pm

gone and bought one -
will see how it is before buying a second.

will try some diff op amps etc

cheers all
Pete

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