We need to listen to the digital volume control on the "Dacapo Anniversary" DAC board - for sure its really a specialised option and not for everyone.
Its designed for the very best sound quality over all other factors so has no SPDIF input and only supports USB and the streamer "inputs" (or a clock-locked SPDIF transport).
For CD playback either external USB CDRom drive connected to the streamer board or we can modify a CD transport to enable Clock-locking.
To fully answer your earlier post, I've learnt much since I worked on the aborted Dacapo2 project. Its now become apparent that the ESSPro dac's are the limiting factor on the MDAC2 design, hence the "Dacapo Anniversary" option to really show-off MDAC2 performance.
No SPDIF input That's my only option. Is there any way to convert SPDIF to USB?
Hi JohnW,
Can you please let us know if the MDAC2+PSU design is anywhere near completion? When can we expect a prototype which can be debugged?
Thanks
Sadly for SPDIF the ESS DAC board is the only option
There is no way to convert SPDIF "losslessly" to Async USB as you cannot clock the SPDIF source - this is the fundamental failing of SPDIF.
Jadidih,
As you can see from our posts we are working on the DAC PCB ATM - end of August for the Debugged PCB's.
To fully answer your earlier post, I've learnt much since I worked on the aborted Dacapo2 project. Its now become apparent that the ESSPro dac's are the limiting factor on the MDAC2 design, hence the "Dacapo Anniversary" option to really show-off MDAC2 performance.
OK, thanks for that. So I assume the PSU design/prototype is running in parallel would also be complete by end of August. right?
To be honest, from your posting I was worried you were starting a new project. That is why I asked.
So the same options will apply to FDAC?
So basically a plug in PCB/board for existing MDAC will be ready end of August with and optional power supply?
Sounds interesting is this similar to the DAC upgrade you want to make for the VFET amps?For the PMD200 I've agreed a bulk price from a vendor in China - but in light of there cost I'll arrange a few Pcs. first to insure they are genuine parts - we will then order the IC's for production.
I don't care about "decoded" HDCD playback - but rather IMO the HDCD filter is still today the best sounding digital filter IC I've heard - so its offered as an option on the MDAC2 (ESS version) and mandatory for the "Dacapo Anniversary" version the Dacapo Anniversary option replaces the dual ESSPros with a discrete DAC design.
The ESS version measures better and supports PCM to 768KHz (verses 384KHz) and also volume control with DSD.
The "Dacapo Anniversary" MDAC2 DAC PCB builds upon the discrete DAC topology used in my first commercial DAC design (ignoring a handful of Westlake Audio DACs sold before I was approached by Pink Triangle) it has certain limitations (such as only supporting PCM to 192KHz / 384KHz without level control, and no level control with DSD playback) and also measures worst (~110dB dynamic range / THD 0.001%), but Ill leave it for the forum to listen and decide which sounds the best based on listening tests without a moments hesitation Jarek and I choose the discrete DAC version over the ESS.
The MDAC2 internal DAC PCB is user interchangeable and is a "Daughter board" mounted above the MDAC2 mainboard.
Due to "end of life" VERY limited parts availability - the "Dacapo Anniversary" version will only be offered to PFM'ers sponsor units until part stocks is exhausted. I've have managed to secure parts from Canada of all places!! for about 400 units (shared between MDAC2 and FDAC) so we will be plenty fine for PFM units but at the end of the day its going to be an inherently limited "Special edition" option (just like the VFET amps).
As the MDAC2 starts to finally come together - the path to FDAC is also clearer, the MDAC2 will be released in "Stages":-
MDAC2 with Dual ESS9028PRo DAC PCB
MDAC2 with "Dacapo Anniversary" Discrete DAC
MDAC2 with "Dacapo Anniversary" Discrete DAC + FPGA Modulator
FDAC based on MDAC2 with "Dacapo Anniversary" Discrete DAC + FPGA Modulator and Tube output stage.
Each step of the MDAC2 path will (hopefully) be user upgradable by exchanging internal PCB's.
Also the MDAC2 external PSU will be offered in two versions, the initial design will be "Just" a HQ PSU, with a later version with internal CDRom slot loader + SDD Drive bay and front panel mounted USB port (for USB Flash drives) to form a complete solution with the MDAC2+ Streamer.
John,
I also like the path you're proposing, as it implies a first product available soon (which will make many people happy), as well as a path to something better than initially promised... especially if the upgrades can be made easily and cost effectively.
This will also result in a better FDAC, with lessons from the various MDAC2s.
I'm wondering if you expect that there will be some way to control volume with DSD sources with the FPGA modulator, for instance -adding a pre-amp after a reference DAC is a big compromise in my view.
John,
I also like the path you're proposing, as it implies a first product available soon (which will make many people happy), as well as a path to something better than initially promised... especially if the upgrades can be made easily and cost effectively.
This will also result in a better FDAC, with lessons from the various MDAC2s.
I'm wondering if you expect that there will be some way to control volume with DSD sources with the FPGA modulator, for instance -adding a pre-amp after a reference DAC is a big compromise in my view.