RTZ SDM (DSD) DAC

[Ray P]

Tested one of Nick's (Jack) Statistical Regulator kits today, it's now ready to use with the valve output stage for the RTZ Dac.

[Ray P]

There will soon be a group buy running on DIY Audio for updated versions of the DAC and filter boards for this project - anyone interested?

[Tony Moore]

I have put myself down for the group buy. (I am Cestrian on DIY Audio)

I can always use another DAC!

[Ray P]

I have put myself down for the group buy. (I am Cestrian on DIY Audio)

Good stuff Tony.

[Ray P]

I had a disappointing result with the 3A5 tube output stage yesterday. No music, just a hum and identical in both channels. I've checked several times and I've definitely built it as per the schematic.

http://itsonlyaudio.com/ultranalog/cden ... r2_3a5.pdf

My suspicions are based on the 3A5 being a DHT. I didn't have time to investigate yesterday so it looks like I'll have to dig out my 'scope and invest some time in troubleshooting, but that'll have to wait as today my spare time will go into working on my SLOB speaker project.
 
Anyway, I've reinstalled the op-amp filter board on the RTZ DAC and have been listening to some music - it still sounds excellent!

[Ray P]

I started soldering the board for my RTZ DAC project today. Manual application of solder paste and parts placemet followed by a blast with my hot air workstation - I'm pleased with the result as I only had a couple of solder bridges to rectify - time will tell if everything survived my soldering of course.

[Dave the bass]

Neat Neat Neat.

[andrew Ivimey]

Old on.... that means he thinks it's rubbish. Hate him forever!

[Dave the bass]

Old on.... that means he thinks it's rubbish. Hate him forever!

You brute! How could you! <dramatic flouncy exit stage left!>

[IslandPink]

Meanwhile - I can't shake off the idea that 'RTZ SDM DSD DAC' is one of those teasers from the final round in 'Only Connect' !

[IslandPink]

Ray - did you demo two DAC's or one at Owston ?
I arrived while something was playing via Nick's amps and speakers - and it sounded very nice in the treble for a DAC. It would have been just before you packed up and we moved on to another system.

[Ray P]

Ray - did you demo two DAC's or one at Owston ?
I arrived while something was playing via Nick's amps and speakers - and it sounded very nice in the treble for a DAC. It would have been just before you packed up and we moved on to another system.

Hi Mark, and sorry but I missed your post previously.

I brought two DSD DACs to Owston, the prototype RTZ DAC and a recent build of a second Valve DAC that I did for a friend. Some people listened to both via my Noir HPA but it was only the Valve DAC that was used with Nick's system.

[Ray P]

Result! I finished assembling my first RTZ DAC board and I'm currently listening to it - sublime sound quality, every bit as good as I remember/anticipated. I'm currently using it with the prototype output filter board while I wait for some parts to come back into stock (due the end of May) before I assemble my own output board.

Not a great picture as the actual DAC board sits under the filter board.

[Ray P]

A better picture of the finished RTZ DAC board.

[Nick]

Very tidy SMD soldering.