Daconomics and my DAC upgrade conundrum

[opus111]

It is not easy enough for me. What is your take? These are the parameters: 50db attenuation, 96/24 source, volume control in DSP with 64 bit floating point processor. Do I od do I not loose information?

I already explained in the post you quoted. You're dithering so you're losing information, by definition.

 

[opus111]

Just out of curiosity, if you had $10K to spend (used or new), what "optimised multibit converter" would you get?

My own design since I haven't seen a commercial one which is sufficiently optimized for me - they all fall down in at least one area I consider important - pass-band flatness and out of band signals being two essentials which need attention. This design comes in substantially below $10k though so I'll spend some of the remainder on a set of Lloyd's Richter recordings.

 

[LL21]

This design comes in substantially below $10k though so I'll spend some of the remainder on a set of Lloyd's Richter recordings.

Hah! Enjoy them if you can find them! it took me a few months, but i am sure you can find another set!

 

[edorr]

My own design since I haven't seen a commercial one which is sufficiently optimized for me - they all fall down in at least one area I consider important - pass-band flatness and out of band signals being two essentials which need attention. This design comes in substantially below $10k though so I'll spend some of the remainder on a set of Lloyd's Richter recordings.

I am not discounting the possibility you have built a phenomenal sounding DAC, but I am trying to stay away DIY projects mainly because there is no second hand market for these DAC. Nonetless, I am intruiged by your design so please point me to any information available on your project.

 

[opus111]

These two links to posts on my blog will get you started - the first one is the theory, the second one shows my first prototype underway.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/blogs/abraxalito/883-evolving-nos-mos.html

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/blogs/abraxalito/889-prototype-mos-dac.html

 

[edorr]

Update, OK. I have confirmation there will be a digital volume control in the EMM labs DAC2X through firmware. That does it for me. I'm rolling the dice and am going all in. First, the painful part: parting with a healthy chunk of cash. Next the frustrating part: waiting for the unit and burning it in. Then there will be bliss - I hope... Let the countdown begin.

 

[jap]

Did you ever listen to the Aesthetix Pandora?

 

[edorr]

Did you ever listen to the Aesthetix Pandora?

I tried to make arrangements with a dealer friend of mine to get one in for audition but it did not work out. He probably not have a unit in yet himself. So the answer is no.

 

[edorr]

EMM Labs DAC2X is in the house and up and running. With only a few hours on it, I spend a hour (post debate) listening. Wow! I had anticipated I might end up switching between the PWD MKII and the DAC2X to hear subtle differences. Not so. The EMM Labs beats it hands down.

Initial tasting notes: More dynamics, "bigger" sound, clearer vocals, and somehow there just appears to be just more "going on" musically.

This is the proverbial piece of gear that makes you want so to rediscover your music collection.