The PCM58 DAC Build

Since end of last year, my focus on this DIY audio is more on 300B tube amplifier. This kind of tube amplifier is well known as a holy grail of sound, and it is true. Then I remember I have one DAC project that need to be complete. It is the PCM58 DAC using the PCB ordered from PCBway.com.

You might want to refresh the PCM58 DAC PCB that I mentioned in here and here, those post are the first time I ordered the PCB from PCBway.com and that was the easy and enjoyable order experienced.

So, let's begin this project.

The PCM58 DAC is the popular DAC after it's predecessor, the PCM56. This PCM58 is a pinnacle of the best DAC PCM63, which considerably the hi-end status of vintage DAC IC.

PCM58 DAC is a single channel 18 bit resistor-ladder DAC, competing its own sibling PCM61 and AD1865.

The PCB that I am using in this project is ordered from PCBway.com, consist of 2 pieces of PCB. One is the four rails output power supply section and the other is i2s to stereo PCM58 DAC PCB including output stages using op-amps. On my previous post, all components already well populated on the PCBs and now is connecting them all together inside the chassis.

In this DAC build, I am using R-core 30 watt transformer. The AC output is 18-0-18 volt.

The PCB design is intended to use sockets, so all voltage connection are done with it. This makes the DAC build like an industrial product.

All sockets and the cables are custom made, to make sure each cable length are fit to connect from PSU PCB to DAC PCB without over-length.

This including the socket cables to i2s connection to the USB module. In this build, I am using China made USB to I2s converter.

The bonus with this USB receiver is not only received digital signal from USB, but it has additional feature for the Bluetooth connection.

The antenna for Bluetooth is stylish, attached at the back of the chassis.

I tested the sound from this PCM58 DAC using my tablet that already installed UAPP for uninterrupted, and bit-perfect music player apps. With the WAV music files that converted from the original CD's, I start to listen some music.

In general, PCM58 sound like PCM56. It is sound natural with emphasis on the deep vocal without sacrificing the tonal balance. PCM58 offer the sound more live, more natural and more detail than PCM56, but never come close to PCM63. So, this is like in the middle of PCM56 and PCM63 DAC.

The overall sound is enjoyable, I am quite happy with the result. Especially for the Bluetooth feature on the USB converter, it is very quiet. No static noise that usually came from the cheap Bluetooth module. This low noise USB module can be achieved by put the power supply option from the module itself from USB-power to self-power using 5-volt supply module from the DAC.

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