New AD1865NK DAC Board & Rebuilt My Amplifier

This might be my last post in this year. Personally I felt that this year is the most exciting for me, not because of the pandemic, but the working from home condition that makes me more productive. I can use my time which previously spent communiting on the road, from home to office, vice versa, now with more flexible time, I can make some great audio project.

This year my blog is full of DAC's project. I think I had enough great time for that. Then the rest of the day in this year, I just need to enjoy what I've made.

Before I closing this year, I want to upgrade my integrated amplifier. As you probably already know that I am loyal to LM3886 Gainclone amplifier. I love the simplicity audio system that consist of one box integrated amplifier + DAC, a pairs of speaker and a simple WAV player.

Then I remember that I have one thing to do with this amplifier, which has planned long time ago, is to replace the speakers binding post.

Recently I got this original CMC binding post in used condition. I really want to replace what I am using right now is no brand Taiwan made binding post. So here I am:)

The Ultimate DAC Built With Over-sampling AD1865

My best effort when building DAC is when I'm using the TDA1541A in non oversampling, fully independent voltage regulator on every voltage pins, and separate transformer for analog and digital circuit. I called this ultimate DAC built on here and here. I amazed on how great the result from optimized power supply to the sound quality compares to the minimalist approach So I named this built is the first ultimate DAC.

Lately I am in love with the sound of the another ultimate DAC + headphone amplifier using the oversampling AD1865 DAC. It is theoretically better in specification and also great sound quality result as well. It is a smooth sounding DAC, great details, great depth and great stereo separation. You can also check this another ultimate DAC built on my previous post in November 2021.

Since I still have the parts that I need to make another one, so I think I will replacing the DAC board on the first ultimate DAC to this new build oversampling AD1865 DAC. Of course with some improvements.

Vintage Multibit R2R DAC Tier List

At the very beginning of this year, I committed to explore the best multi-bit R2R DAC. This is simply because I have plenty of the resources (from broken old unit CD player of course) and ability to build them up. If you think this kind a recycle from old un-used unit to become something useful, than I should stated myself giving contribute for greener world:)

After all DAC that I built in this year, I think it is better for me to list them up again in one single page like this. Then I will rank them up in a simple tier list. The reason for this, so you all know what my opinion about of those vintage multibit R2R DAC especially in the sound quality.