Right one is bus power diode, left one is aux.
This is with both USB connectors in place. Aux one is very easy to remove, only two screws which are also supply contacts from aux port
This is with both USB connectors in place. Aux one is very easy to remove, only two screws which are also supply contacts from aux port
Hi, I removed the upper micro-USB PCB and also the brass mini standoffs. I then used a new and way better connector for AUX power and soldered the wires to the PCB pads where the brass standoffs used to be (and bridged its diode). Please see post #1. That way the micro-USB for USB signals still works OK and I could connect a linear PSU via good connections.
Both diodes were removed as I wanted the Vref to be 5V instead of 4.7V.
Both diodes were removed as I wanted the Vref to be 5V instead of 4.7V.
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Yes, I understood that, but run out of two pin Lemo’s at the moment 🙂
Btw, I forgot I don’t have supply wire in USB cable, which puts this mod down to bypassing aux supply diode in my case. Small difference in character of DAC is there, but I can’t tell why.
Btw, I forgot I don’t have supply wire in USB cable, which puts this mod down to bypassing aux supply diode in my case. Small difference in character of DAC is there, but I can’t tell why.
A 5.5 x 2.1 mm jack can also be used but the Lemo is nicer I think.
Yes with a wire bridge instead of the diode the Vref will be 5V as it should be. I heard it directly. The 5.6V created by the switcher stays 5.6V regardless of 5V or 4.7V input. It then has 2 diodes in series (making it 5V again 🙂) and then goes to a circuit I haven't figured out yet. Seems a power on circuit of sorts.
The Vref of both channels are each connected via a 10 Ohm directly to the incoming + rail and via a 10 Ohm to GND. Therefor a clean 5V is important. AFAIK the Vref is powered on as long as the 5V is connected while the rest of the AKM chip is powered on/off (this is an assumption, still working on it) That is why I use a switchable LPS de-energizing the complete DAC at power off.
Yes with a wire bridge instead of the diode the Vref will be 5V as it should be. I heard it directly. The 5.6V created by the switcher stays 5.6V regardless of 5V or 4.7V input. It then has 2 diodes in series (making it 5V again 🙂) and then goes to a circuit I haven't figured out yet. Seems a power on circuit of sorts.
The Vref of both channels are each connected via a 10 Ohm directly to the incoming + rail and via a 10 Ohm to GND. Therefor a clean 5V is important. AFAIK the Vref is powered on as long as the 5V is connected while the rest of the AKM chip is powered on/off (this is an assumption, still working on it) That is why I use a switchable LPS de-energizing the complete DAC at power off.
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@jean-paul
Where would you put this el-cheapo DAC modded this el-cheapo way, performance-wise? I’m quite pleased how it performs, but currently don’t have any reference DAC to compare it to.
Where would you put this el-cheapo DAC modded this el-cheapo way, performance-wise? I’m quite pleased how it performs, but currently don’t have any reference DAC to compare it to.
Well for starters I try not to judge devices by their unknown name or low price which helps to appreciate some devices (and unfortunately makes some devices by A brands shine less). To me it has a very high price /quality score so El Mejor DAC por 100 Euros it is for now.
It does not matter much which expensive DAC is 5% better, important is that one can really enjoy this one and such without breaking the bank.
It does not matter much which expensive DAC is 5% better, important is that one can really enjoy this one and such without breaking the bank.
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Looks like a cool unit, any issues with the remote?
I noticed that the only way to control the volume is using that, so thought I would ask.
Does the volume start at a minimal level after power down/restart or does it stay where it was?
I noticed that the only way to control the volume is using that, so thought I would ask.
Does the volume start at a minimal level after power down/restart or does it stay where it was?
Hi, I just tested it and it remembers the volume setting after a power off. No issue with the remote?! I was too busy and also modded a MkIII. The MkIII benefits from OPA1642. It originally has LME49720.
Then an SMSL M200 (AK4497EQ based) came my way and that one is on the operation table. The 10th MkII will be sold I think as the M200 is a more interesting challenge.
Then an SMSL M200 (AK4497EQ based) came my way and that one is on the operation table. The 10th MkII will be sold I think as the M200 is a more interesting challenge.
I looked at some reviews that mentioned the remote giving issues. And not being a remote user myself, was curious as to the volume memory.
I have a different budget dac that uses the on chip volume, and it’s a hassle to have to spin the knob 5 turns to get it close to where it needs to be at each power on.
The M200 looks nice, simple, no-frills. Always makes be cringe when I see the budget products with tons of features, knowing they likely won’t be as promised, or won’t last.
Not too many diy DAC boards out there now, I miss that, this might be a decent alternative. Now if I could just find one with a conventional power supply…
I have a different budget dac that uses the on chip volume, and it’s a hassle to have to spin the knob 5 turns to get it close to where it needs to be at each power on.
The M200 looks nice, simple, no-frills. Always makes be cringe when I see the budget products with tons of features, knowing they likely won’t be as promised, or won’t last.
Not too many diy DAC boards out there now, I miss that, this might be a decent alternative. Now if I could just find one with a conventional power supply…
It is a too steep road for me to be able to compete with SMSL DAC designers. Both in quality, casework and in price, it is practically impossible. I changed the challenge to find the best ready made DAC for 100 euro and mod it where I think it is necessary.
The conventional or better said linear power supply (smps are now conventional) has become the DIY part. The irony is that these DIY LPS are more expensive than the DAC.
The conventional or better said linear power supply (smps are now conventional) has become the DIY part. The irony is that these DIY LPS are more expensive than the DAC.
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I'm not an expert in mods..lol.. But I have the sanskrit mk2 and was thinking about swaping opamp. The reason for that is because I found this dac to be very lean/digital on highs.. is very evident in piano songs (higher note just sound digital). I have here some burr brown opa2134 and I was willing to try it. But its not plug and play right? I do need to buy and install a adaptor?
Whats your toughts on swaping opamps in this dac? Do you think I will be able to "fix"or at list atenuate this timbre "problem'?
Cheers
Alexandre
Whats your toughts on swaping opamps in this dac? Do you think I will be able to "fix"or at list atenuate this timbre "problem'?
Cheers
Alexandre
SMSL SU-1 is similar. I even made a thread about that one where you can see bus power was cut. Don't know the C100. Just examine and draw a schematic if necessary.
