The AYA 4 was a very nice project, and it apparently remained on your radar way after the originally produced quantity was sold out. So we will make it one more time.
The project itself remains the same. Ergo, we have a DAC with USB (up to 192/384 kHz) and S/PDIF (up to 96 kHz) input stages, optional I2S/PCM (U.FL) direct input, a TDA1541A based D/A conversion stage, and zero feedback OPA861 based I/V and output buffer stage. It is all fed by eight separate supplies, with low noise, mostly discrete regulators.
For more detailed information, please have a look at the original AYA 4 topic, the AYA 4 user manual, and the AYA II output circuit.
Ordering
The AYA 4 second run is sold out.
I am receiving some typical questions on the optional features offered with AYA 4 USB stage, so let me explain them.
Up to 384 kHz compatibility.
This requires 22.5792 / 24.576 MHz clocks and matching firmware.
The best sound I achieved by the digital source was by using a 384 kHz recordings. The problem here is, currently there is not a lot of such recording available around, and this fact probably won’t change any time soon. On the other hand, in my experience it is always preferred (sound wise) to use the lowest possible master clock frequencies, so in that way an 11.2896 / 12.288 MHz master clocks are recommended to those who don’t plan to go beyond 192 kHz.
Four channel operation.
This requires 4 output U.FL connectors installed and adequate firmware.
This should be considered an “addition”, since the unit (or board) operates normally, as if it was two channel, but two more channels are available as PCM digital output, for D/A conversion by another two channel D/A stage. AYA 4 and AYA II 2014 / DS have the same D/A stage, so any of these can be used for two additional channels D/A conversion.
You choose stereo or four channel operation by PC (either in the system sound settings, or in the application), but in most cases, everything is pretty straightforward.
Balanced (stereo) operation.
This also requires 4 output U.FL connectors and firmware.
This makes the unit (or board) operate as one channel balanced D/A stage, while the second balanced channel is available as PCM digital output. This also obviously takes another board for D/A conversion, for stereo operation.
Hence we made such a “package” available for ordering too. It includes one board with USB, D/A and output stage, a second board with D/A and output stage, and transformer with all the windings necessary to feed both these boards.
If necessary, all these optional features can be installed afterward, with a bit of soldering (it is not a lot of parts, even though they are all SMD), and by applying an adequate firmware update (update files are provided), via Windows control panel.
HTH
hi ,may i know the AYA board come with the philips tda1541a chip plus the AYA tranformer if i ordered? how to order it with tranformer ?thanks …pls give more details ,how to order it…
Hello Jacky,
Completed device of course includes TDA1541A chip.
Above quoted AYA 4 boards with pre-mounted USB stage normally do not include TDA chip, nor these chips are available for separate purchase.
At this moment (8 June), you can order one of the AYA 4 surplus boards with pre-mounted USB stage, and you can do it online. You can also order a dedicated AYA 4 transformer, whether EI or toroidal, and if you are interested, please let me know, and we’ll send you a PayPal invoice.
Regards