Model S4 is coming
Model S4 comes to show how real audiophile reference USB DAC sounds today. It also includes acclaimed and well known Audial S/PDIF quality input.
Model S4 is coming Read More »
Digital
D/A converters topics
USB board Mk3 and AYA II revisited (proposal)
Two projects proposal for 2018.
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Another story about TDA1541A: 384 kHz
Can this old gem get there?
Another story about TDA1541A: 384 kHz Read More »
Back to the roots: 14 bits (of TDA1541A)
By measuring standard low level performance at -60 dBFS (dithered sine wave), there was practically no difference between its regular 16 bit, and this 14 bit “mode” of operation. Noise floor, on the other hand, is somewhat higher, roughly speaking 6-12 dB, and that is what you would expect, given 2 bits difference.
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USB to simultaneous data or I2S converter, series 2
Audial USB interface second release. Now offered as both module and ready made device.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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AYA II DS, DIY edition
As announced a few months ago, we have another run of AYA II. This run, marked as DS, includes one update with respect to AYA II 2014: synchronous DEM clocking circuit is now more completely integrated, so it is not optional but integral part of this AYA II project.
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Model S MkIII schedule
In addition to S/PDIF, MkIII version of this converter will also include direct PCM input, able to accept both commonly used I2S and TDA1541A specific simultaneous data protocol.
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AYA II 2014 DIY edition, second run
As an extension of original AYA II 2014 DIY edition offer, here is the second turn of AYA II 2014 orders.
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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.
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AYA II 2014 DIY edition interest check
As a result of initiative by several TDA1541A fans at diyaudio.com, AYA II DAC may re-appear in 2014.
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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).
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OPA861 zero-feedback output stage of AYA II
The output stage of AYA II DAC, released back in 2007, now with details of circuit behind previously published block diagram. Dare to say, it might be the best I/V circuit published so far.
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