Hi John, been doing my semi-regular catch-up on the latest in the MDAC2 saga - I'm happy to see that we may finally have some product very soon! A bit perplexed as to why so many people seem to have chosen now to give up though.
Anyway, I have a few questions:
1) I see now that we will be getting an MDAC2 after all! Still, I'm a bit perplexed by this as well: you originally morphed the project into the FDAC because you couldn't fit it into the MDAC's chassis, but now you can again! How did this happen?
With the MDAC2 "restart" I have removed the FPGA and DSP and its now just simply a no thrills DAC I can concentrate on getting the best sound out of such a small unit.
One of the prime reasons I originally considered the FPGA was to resolve issues with the ESS Hyperstream DAC - the release of the new ESS Hyperstream II architecture it resolves many of the deficiencies of the original Hyperstream designs so the FPGA is not so critical we will use FPGAs on the FDAC as there are a few areas we can still improve upon.
The sound quality of the ESS Hyperstream II is big improvement over the ESS9018 used in the original MDAC.
With the MDAC2, Ive also taken the big step (big step in that it complicates the production) of offering an external PSU the MDAC performance really stepped up a gear once the internal PSU board is removed and used with a decent quality PSU.
2) I see you feel the FDAC must now have a clear sonic advantage over the MDAC2, but I see no reason why it can't just be a full width MDAC2 with DSP and FPGA. After all, the latter allows for future upgrades which could significantly improve the sound quality!
On the FDAC the DSP and FPGA are niceties what I primarily care about is sound quality. I dont care about a pretty box with extras; it MUST sound better, not just better, but a step change in performance. I believe MDAC2 will set the bar very high which is good as I like working with challenges
Certainly, I am not happy that you've decided to prioritise the VFETs over it, as this is contrary to your stated timeline for the project all along.
For two main reasons:-
1. MDAC2 will set the SQ standard very high what I personally need is a higher quality amplifier to complete the system, which can only be as good as the weakest link and for sure my amps are really poor as are most "affordable" power amps (the VFETs are not that affordable!)
2. With the experienced gained with MDAC2 we can capitalize on feedback and subsequent optimisation and tweaks and feed these into the FDAC design. These require time to develop. I want to try a tube stage (dual mode) on the FDAC if it significantly improves upon the SS MDAC2.
3) Now that the MDAC2 and FDAC will have a built-in Raspberry Pi, can I get rid of my computer and just connect my music hard drive directly to it? What about file compatibility? And most importantly, what sort of interface will it have?
Its really up to the community as to which direction they take the MDAC2 headless streamer or full blown system with external monitor + keyboard etc. both are possible, but its not an area we will develop directly I need to concentrate in the VFET / FDAC.
Id be very pleased if the community developed the MDAC2 platform to a full streamer (so no computer required) but let time provide the answer
