Hey Folks,
A couple of months ago I was suggested by an FM to explore DACs from Soekris.
I had brushed it aside because of the DIY factor. But did some reading about them nonetheless.
So this is a thread starter post for my exploration into a potential DIY effort.
If it happens, I will open a dedicated thread in the DIY sub-forum.
For now will keep it in the DAC sub-forum.
Interesting tech and implementation as per designer's literature (it is sparse though).
They do have finished commercial products, DAC-1101, DAC-1321, DAC-1421, DAC-1541.
The DIY and OEM modules are more interesting and frankly more affordable, IMO.
DAM-1021 has been a very popular choice among DIYers.
AFAIK, locally in Bangalore @manniraj & @jai1611 use these DACs built out of 1021s.
Also @MaSh is exploring to procure a 1021 too. On HFV it seems Bangalore is a Soekris users hub
Now they also have 3 OEM models:
DAM-1121: the basic model pcb (SPDIF/I2S input, SE output)
DAM-1921: advanced model with more input choices and SE output
DAM-1942: advanced model with balanced output
My curiosity is piqued by the 1121. I am thinking of this using this module as a simple DAC.
Digital SPDIF input, on RCA or BNC, BNC preferred as Allo Digione has a spare BNC out.
Analog RCA out, which is at 1.4V unbuffered. I think the preamps at home can work with this line voltage.
If my understanding is correct, this module needs a transformer and 2 or 3 regulators
Vcc5D for the digital side
Vcc5A and Vee5A for analog side
There are recommendations for transformers too in public domain.
Have to explore what's available locally to keep things simple.
@jai1611 also pointed me to regulator modules that can be purchased/sourced from US.
As for procurement of these DAMs, the easiest option seems to be procure in US and get it hand carried.
But the choices are less at US reseller due to stocking issues.
EU store/reseller has wider choice, but in my case I have to import it.
This makes it a non-starter cost wise.
Anyways, I'm looking for opinions and impressions from users of this DAC (model doesn't matter for now).
Will be hitting up of the DIYers to know more about build experience and challenges.
So I thought of putting it out here for wider input and for folks who might be interested.
Please chime in if you have any relevant information about Soekris products.
Comparisons with other products are OK, if applicable, but let's stick to the DIY angle using Soekris.
Cheers,
Raghu
A couple of months ago I was suggested by an FM to explore DACs from Soekris.
I had brushed it aside because of the DIY factor. But did some reading about them nonetheless.
So this is a thread starter post for my exploration into a potential DIY effort.
If it happens, I will open a dedicated thread in the DIY sub-forum.
For now will keep it in the DAC sub-forum.
Interesting tech and implementation as per designer's literature (it is sparse though).
They do have finished commercial products, DAC-1101, DAC-1321, DAC-1421, DAC-1541.
The DIY and OEM modules are more interesting and frankly more affordable, IMO.
DAM-1021 has been a very popular choice among DIYers.
AFAIK, locally in Bangalore @manniraj & @jai1611 use these DACs built out of 1021s.
Also @MaSh is exploring to procure a 1021 too. On HFV it seems Bangalore is a Soekris users hub
Now they also have 3 OEM models:
DAM-1121: the basic model pcb (SPDIF/I2S input, SE output)
DAM-1921: advanced model with more input choices and SE output
DAM-1942: advanced model with balanced output
My curiosity is piqued by the 1121. I am thinking of this using this module as a simple DAC.
Digital SPDIF input, on RCA or BNC, BNC preferred as Allo Digione has a spare BNC out.
Analog RCA out, which is at 1.4V unbuffered. I think the preamps at home can work with this line voltage.
If my understanding is correct, this module needs a transformer and 2 or 3 regulators
Vcc5D for the digital side
Vcc5A and Vee5A for analog side
There are recommendations for transformers too in public domain.
Have to explore what's available locally to keep things simple.
@jai1611 also pointed me to regulator modules that can be purchased/sourced from US.
As for procurement of these DAMs, the easiest option seems to be procure in US and get it hand carried.
But the choices are less at US reseller due to stocking issues.
EU store/reseller has wider choice, but in my case I have to import it.
This makes it a non-starter cost wise.
Anyways, I'm looking for opinions and impressions from users of this DAC (model doesn't matter for now).
Will be hitting up of the DIYers to know more about build experience and challenges.
So I thought of putting it out here for wider input and for folks who might be interested.
Please chime in if you have any relevant information about Soekris products.
Comparisons with other products are OK, if applicable, but let's stick to the DIY angle using Soekris.
Cheers,
Raghu
- and the same acquaintance will hand carry it for me if it gets delivered in time.
