USB to simultaneous data (or I2S) board
Audial quality USB interface. At one side it connects to PC via USB port, and on the other it outputs “raw” PCM signal, in simultaneous data or I2S form.
Digital, Projects
Digital, Technical
Transformer coupling pros and cons (in a nutshell)
Purely sonically, transformer coupled output has more calm presentation, with more quiet background, and somewhat more precise soundstage. On the other hand, transformers can lack some definition at the most bottom end. Still, possible benefits and shortcomings depend also on the environment.
Amplifiers, Technical
Cermet potentiometers
Audial Model A uses cermet potentiometer as premium part. The reason is simple: cermet is sonically clearly superior to any other potentiometer type. Cermet potentiometers are still however relatively unknown, so more information follows.
Amplifiers, Technical
Model A volume control
Model A uses the low impedance shunt potentiometer. This article brings more details about this ultimate volume control.
Digital, Projects
Asynchronous USB to simultaneous data converter board, interest check
Asynchronous USB Audio Class 2.0, galvanic isolation, two oscillators, and reclocked simultaneous data output. With U.FL output connectors it would be adequate companion to AYA II 2014 or DS board, and of course the great possibility to connect PC to Model S MkIII.
Amplifiers, Technical
Model A, one year later: Binding posts
Model A now sports copper plated copper binding posts. Here is why.
Digital, Projects
AYA II 2014 DIY edition talks
Everything related to AYA II 2014 DIY edition building, parts and possible tweaks can be asked, discussed or shared at this page.
Amplifiers, Technical
Sweet spot of amplifier power
According to the common wisdom, the relation between the amplifier power and its sound quality may look like the relation of equivalence. “The more the better.” The truth is, the best sound quality is associated with certain working points, which also implies certain power. Insisting on (often redundant) power, actually can and does compromise the sonic properties.
Amplifiers, Technical
Designing the ultimate monolithic amplifier
A sum up of more than decade of designing and living with chip based power amplifiers.
Amplifiers
Introducing the Model A
The first Audial amplifier release is near, and here is the preliminary information.
Technical
Sound of harmonic distortion
Harmonic distortion is one of the basic and most common ways to objectify sound quality of audio device. Yet, there is no consensus on its audibility. Here are several examples of distorted sinewave, to help your own understanding.
Amplifiers
Gainclone, where has it gone?
During the previous seven years Audial released six DACs, which established it as a “DAC specialist”. It happened that way, because one decade ago the digital source was generally the most misunderstood and most missing part of the audio chain. And in many ways, Audial DACs moved the limits of digital sources. And now the time for Audial amplifier has come.
Projects
Balanced DAC I2S interface project
The OPA861 based output stage for TDA1541A, as used in the AYA II DAC, was posted here one month ago and, according to feedback, authentic and ambitious DIY spirit is still around. So I am reposting now one old article that was once available at pedjarogic.com.
Digital, Technical
Data and signal: are we progressing?
Are bits still just bits? Actually, notable part of improvements achieved in the digital audio in last two decades happened due to designing for higher signal integrity criteria. So not that much for instance in the area of converter chips, which were during this time developed mostly to lower production costs. As a result, even if Philips D/A chips from 80’s are in many areas still unsurpassed, today it would be unimaginable for any serious design to repeat the layout or clocking schemes as they were done in Philips CD players from 80’s (or in the majority of players from that time, for that matter).