DAC progress

[Yoder]

The Hiface is something we're looking into. In the meantime we plan to work with cards that should work very well - EMU 0404USB, EMU 1212m, Juli@, and Lynx II. I use the 0404USB as a USB/TOSLINK interface with my Acer netbook and it sounds quite good. I expect the SPDIF setup will be as good or better.

I have an 0404 E-Mu that has a bad USB port. If you would like to use it for an R&D, then I would be more than happy to ship it your way (my treat.) I am currently using an Apogee Duet, but am waiting to build my own DAC.

Having read through this thread I saw a lot of references to different DAC manufacturers, but did not see anything referring to AudioNotekits.com...pricey, but they have an interesting take on things.

[Doc B.]

Thanks for the offer. I already have an 0404 USB that I have been using for evaluation. The DAC project has unfortunately been sitting on the back burner for a few months as we have been getting moved and caught up on product releases that have been delayed even longer than the DAC. However every time I hear it vs. other DACs my enthusiasm is greatly renewed. Now that we are getting caught up I think we will be qble to dive into the next phase of the project.

[tdogzthmn]

ANY chance the DAC will be done by X-MAS?  I'm in the market for a DAC and I'd like to get one from Bottlehead first.

[Doc B.]

I'm shooting for some time next year.

[Thoburn]

Hello Doc,

I am thinking of making your new DAC my next Bottlehead project.

[Paul Joppa]

Today we discussed this a bit (after some debugging of another project). We'll be prototyping a few circuit options in the coming months.

[Thoburn]

OK, I'm a basic newb to the subject, but how about the loss-less digital music that is available these days? Will your new DAC be able to handle it? What ever 'it' is. How about FLAC files for instance? 

[HF9]

Thoburn, it's the software on your computer that has to handle the lossless files, not the DAC. If you download Foobar and the kernal streaming plugin, and hunt down an M2Tech HiFace, you'll be in perfect shape to output high quality music (all the way up to 24-bit) to a DAC. You don't need an M2Tech HiFace if your soundcard has a digital output, but I've found it sounds preferable.

[johnll3]

Once upon a time I had a normal life style- a day job and warmed up the stereo when I got home. I used tubes then -just a Dynaco type amp. Now I work at home and turn on music with my morning coffee and often do not turn it off until bedtime. During the day it is mostly classical internet radio. Sometimes it is muted and maybe I turn it off if I leave the house but I bet it runs 5000 hours a year. No way to treat a tube amp- it does not help my current SS stuff either.
 
Doc my question relates to your dac to be. As a long time lurker I realize the Dac may be ready this year. Hopefully my old stuff sells on Gon by then. Seriously,I have a memory that many months ago you stated you had a good idea of how you would do the tube output. I am not looking for specifics but how practical it might be for me.
 
One tube or more, heat on desk top, replace tubes every 6 months or year or

[Paul Joppa]

Right now, two or three tubes (including regulators) is still a question, depending on the gain budget. Doc B is currently experimenting with some of the options. They will be operating conservatively, not like power tubes, and should have much longer life than typical power output tubes. Something in the Seduction to Eros range, I would guess.

[Thoburn]

Thoburn, it's the software on your computer that has to handle the lossless files, not the DAC. If you download Foobar and the kernal streaming plugin, and hunt down an M2Tech HiFace, you'll be in perfect shape to output high quality music (all the way up to 24-bit) to a DAC. You don't need an M2Tech HiFace if your soundcard has a digital output, but I've found it sounds preferable.

Thanks for the info. I may have to get a cheap DAC just so I can play with the software until the Bottlehead DAC is available.

[johnll3]

Thanks Paul,
I think, reading reading your post and the thread -Tube life on Seduction, this is practical for me. Maybe with bottles in the mix I will turn it off more.  Looking forward to your dac announcement. John

[tdogzthmn]

I am really hoping for USB which has become a standard input on many DACs.  Can anyone comment if this is going to be implemented, possibly with oversampling or asynchronous data transfer?

[Jim R.]

tdogzthmn,

They have already said that they are out to build  high-res NOS dac, so I'm not sure what the point of oversampling would be.

Async also comes with some licensing fees that I don't know if BH will be willing to pay for, but it is definitely not the only way to get a great usb implementation.

I think we'll all just have to wait to see what they come up with -- they have some very sharp folks at BH and working on this with them, and from experience we know they aren't going to release a compromised dac just to get it out the door, and I'm guessing that some of this kind of detail is still in the experimental stage.

I myself really want one of these when it comes out as there are precious few high-res NOS dacs out there even today, and it should be a real treat.

-- Jim

[tdogzthmn]

I know Bottlehead is a tentative guest at the Bay Area Head-fi meet on the 19th of February.  Any chance the DAC might make an appearance?  This would be a great opportunity to build anticipation in the Head-fi community in addition to getting some feedback.  I will be in attendance a look forward to seeing/hearing some great gear!