MDAC First Listen (part 00110010)

[wintoid]

Not recommended, best to use the optional two channel DIC DAC for the subwoofer path.

Gotcha. Is that the same quality as the main DAC outputs?

Also John whilst I have your attention, I asked a dumb question about the MDAC. If I cable the XLR to my amp+speakers, and the RCA to my headphone amp, but I'm only using one of those at a time (the other being powered off), will I suffer lower quality? I'm assuming the powered off device shouldn't draw anything right? So should be fine?

Cheers,

 

[fusion5]

John answered your question before: http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2906194#post2906194

 

[wintoid]

John answered your question before: http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2906194#post2906194

Wow, humble apologies. I looked out for a response, I really did, but somehow I missed that. Just goes to show how sometimes this massive thread can be a bit cumbersome.

Thanks to fusion, and apologies to John for asking it twice

 

[ti33er]

Looking at the backplate, how would the slave FDACs connect up? Thanks

 

[fusion5]

Well, the slave units require both digital data and clock sync to work.

The digital connection is made by daisy chaining the units with short HDMI cables. Each unit will have two ports (in & out) for this type of connection. I labeled them "FDAC Slave Daisy Chain In/Out). This bus type connections is used to transport up to eight channels of hi res audio.

To sync the slave clock to the master unit, you would have to connect the balanced clock interface to the second unit. I labeled the two SMA connectors "Balanced Clock Out". On the slave this will actually be an input. For more than two devices John mentioned a small clock signal distribution unit, which would allow for a star type connection. But I'm not sure, if that is still the case.

 

[ti33er]

Thanks for that explanation, sounds a little complicated at first but I'm sure we will work it out

 

[JohnW]

Just completed the MDAC Clock upgrade PCB, files will be issued tonight:-

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/86116171/MDAC Clock Upgrade A04.jpg

 

[timola]

John, would you please check the link you just posted....it doesn't work for me...thanks!

 

[JohanH]

John, would you please check the link you just posted....it doesn't work for me...thanks!

Works for me...

 

[timola]

Hi

Works for me...

Still not seeing it....perhaps its my PC or something...thanks for checking.

Update: I can see it from my phone...PCs are strange beasts and life's too short to understand them...so I don't care why.

 

[fusion5]

Just completed the MDAC Clock upgrade PCB, files will be issued tonight:-

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/86116171/MDAC Clock Upgrade A04.jpg

Nice

 

[adamdea]

A that MDac upgrade or FDac- I'm getting lost.

 

[JohnW]

Adam,

Its a section of the FDAC's "Advanced Clock" added to the MDAC:-

1. A "Test PCB" to gain "Working experience" of a important section of the FDAC design as the Superior PCB was for the Analogue stage.

2. Offer a future replacement / upgrade for the failed MDAC Crystals (clocks).

3. Will Morph onto the FDACLite later

The few Superior upgraded MDAC's will also be fitted with the new Clock circuit to gain "field experience"....

 

[Jason_PFM]

So it seems the FDAC is not gonna happen this year, maybe 2017 or 2018

 

[adamdea]

Adam,

Its a section of the FDAC's "Advanced Clock" added to the MDAC:-

1. A "Test PCB" to gain "Working experience" of a important section of the FDAC design as the Superior PCB was for the Analogue stage.

2. Offer a future replacement / upgrade for the failed MDAC Crystals (clocks).

3. Will Morph onto the FDACLite later

The few Superior upgraded MDAC's will also be fitted with the new Clock circuit to gain "field experience"....

I see. Are you still proposing to offer the superior as a general upgrade with people employed to install it (with or without clocks)? Jirij's recent post suggested not.

 

[Discovery]

So it seems the FDAC is not gonna happen this year, maybe 2017 or 2018

Does this matter? Really...?

Everything John and the team are doing at the moment are clear, positive steps towards the end result. The amount of R&D that is evident is possibly unprecedented for a product of this type, let alone one with a limited production run. I couldn't possibly imagine John could do more than he already is to ensure a successful outcome. The man is a perfectionist - for such people, time is their enemy; for the patient, the results are becoming apparent and are rightly celebrated. Yes, the final outcome is eagerly anticipated by everyone on this thread but it shouldn't be rushed.

Instant gratification and relief can be achieved by visiting any number of specialist shops who will have leading-edge versions of these products available right now. Or, like the rest of us, you could choose to enjoy the journey because all good things come to those who wait.

 

[highfi]

The few Superior upgraded MDAC's will also be fitted with the new Clock circuit to gain "field experience"....

And my non-Superior MDAC, too? ETA?

 

[JohnW]

And my non-Superior MDAC, too? ETA?

highfi,

As soon as the Clock PCB's arrived (due Friday) I'll fit the Clock module over the weekend and ship your unit Monday or Tuesday.

 

[JohnW]

I see. Are you still proposing to offer the superior as a general upgrade with people employed to install it (with or without clocks)? Jirij's recent post suggested not.

Adam,

I have 4 Superior PCB's - two are spoken for.

The trouble with the superior PCB's is the cost - and that we are "so close" to a complete replacement DAC PCB.

Ideally, it be better to merge our "XMOS development board", Superior PCB & Clock PCB onto one board and this becomes a direct MDAC PCB replacement PCB - reusing the rear panel & Chassis.

On the XMOS development board I was able to design critical sections such as the Clock circuit in my CAD system and then Jarek "imported" the design into his CAD system so that I only need to design the critical sections then Jarek is rapidly able to spin a design.

The beauty of this approach is that we can have the PCB manufactured here in Europe with a vendor I've been in recent contact with.

The final decision comes down to the listening tests of the merged Superior + XMOS PCB and the just issued Clock circuit and what to do for a PSU - as the MDAC's current PSU solution is a limiting factor - which will become even more limiting with the mew PCB.

If we de go ahead, then we can have the first PCB's within a month as basically all the hard work has already been done.

 

[adamdea]

Adam,

I have 4 Superior PCB's - two are spoken for.

The trouble with the superior PCB's is the cost - and that we are "so close" to a complete replacement DAC PCB.

Ideally, it be better to merge our "XMOS development board", Superior PCB & Clock PCB onto one board and this becomes a direct MDAC PCB replacement PCB - reusing the rear panel & Chassis.

On the XMOS development board I was able to design critical sections such as the Clock circuit in my CAD system and then Jarek "imported" the design into his CAD system so that I only need to design the critical sections then Jarek is rapidly able to spin a design.

The beauty of this approach is that we can have the PCB manufactured here in Europe with a vendor I've been in recent contact with.

The final decision comes down to the listening tests of the merged Superior + XMOS PCB and the just issued Clock circuit and what to do for a PSU - as the MDAC's current PSU solution is a limiting factor - which will become even more limiting with the mew PCB.

If we de go ahead, then we can have the first PCB's within a month as basically all the hard work has already been done.

Ok -so now we really are getting back to an mdac 2. Does this involve the original ess dac chip or is that being replaced/duplicated one per channel too?

Sorry if I have missed all of this.