AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Cheap and Cheerful HiFi => Topic started by: wushuliu on 17 Feb 2012, 11:02 pm

Title: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: wushuliu on 17 Feb 2012, 11:02 pm
I came across a post on this little guy sometime late last year and forgot all about it until lately when I spotted it on ebay. Made by a Frenchman who was impressed enough with the TDA1543 to design his own dac. He appears to have other non-audio products and seems to know what he is doing so I took a chance. Runs on 9v and/or external PS. The 9v can even be used simultaneously to buffer the external PS. It's VERY small, maybe 2"x2", if that. Almost all SMD components. Clean, simple board. Delivery time from France was just over a week.

And it sounds marvelous. Out the box, depth and instrument separation is very impressive. Articulation of each note, reminiscent of the DACiT. No sign yet of NOS 'warmth' or roll-off. Instead it's agile and transparent but with the musicality of a NOS. And this is with a crappy SMPS.

It's ridiculous you can get this kind of performance for $100. Ridiculous. :duh: Unfortunately I don't remember the forum where I read about this dac in greater detail last year, so I can't provide more info or feedback other than what's presented on ebay.

Will report back after burn-in,

http://www.starting-point-systems.com/images/ConnectingBatteryDAC.gif[/img]
pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item2ebb6c60d7#ht_3767wt_952]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Non-Oversampling-NOS-DAC-TDA1543-DIR9001-SPDIF-Coax-Optical-w-9V-NiMH-charger-/200712937687?
(http://www.starting-point-systems.com/images/ConnectingBatteryDAC.gif)
pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item2ebb6c60d7#ht_3767wt_952 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Non-Oversampling-NOS-DAC-TDA1543-DIR9001-SPDIF-Coax-Optical-w-9V-NiMH-charger-/200712937687?
[img)
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: JohnR on 17 Feb 2012, 11:29 pm
Interesting :thumb:
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: ken on 18 Feb 2012, 09:06 pm
Lots of great feedback on ebay and will fit right in your shirt pocket for good measure as well.  Sounds pretty cheap and cheerful to me  :thumb:
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: playntheblues on 18 Feb 2012, 09:56 pm
Thanks for the heads up.  I just ordered one to play with.  Are you running yours strictly on battery or are you using AC?
Guy
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: wushuliu on 18 Feb 2012, 11:15 pm
Thanks for the heads up.  I just ordered one to play with.  Are you running yours strictly on battery or are you using AC?
Guy

Using an SMPS that was lying around. Now that its given a good first impression I will connect to a 12v linear PS and then add a nimh 9v and see how it fares.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: sonicxtc on 18 Feb 2012, 11:40 pm
Okay,
normally I'd write this off as "Wow, this is amazing for a DAC I found inside a box of Cracker Jacks or a cereal box," but...

I read the designer's page. PLEASE whoever is suggesting we try this little beauty, a little more info.

Are you suggesting this is a serious DAC which can compete with other sub $1k DACs or get you most of the way there? I mean how good is good? Can you compare the sound to any other DACs?

Will this handle 2496?

How long will it run off a 9 volt battery?

I thank the OP. This is quite a find. I'm only asking these "dumb" questions because I'm actually looking to buy a dac for my main system.

Thank you and thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: roscoeiii on 18 Feb 2012, 11:47 pm
Well sonicxtc,

A lot will depend on what the rest of your system looks like, and what your musical preferences are. Loads of great affordable DACs out there right now. Be sure you have familiarized yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of NOS DACs. That is a biggie (just like passive vs. active preamps, and battery vs. AC). Much will depend on your preferences and the type of music you listen to.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: Rclark on 18 Feb 2012, 11:49 pm
Interesting :thumb:
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: goldlizsts on 19 Feb 2012, 03:39 am
Well sonicxtc,

A lot will depend on what the rest of your system looks like, and what your musical preferences are. Loads of great affordable DACs out there right now. Be sure you have familiarized yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of NOS DACs. That is a biggie (just like passive vs. active preamps, and battery vs. AC). Much will depend on your preferences and the type of music you listen to.

I had a NOS DAC a couple of years ago, which used the 1543 DAC.  It was sweet, warm, musical.  I loved it, until I foolished played with it, trying to improve it.  I replaced the output caps (Siemens), hoping to improve on the transparency and bass definition.  And, I regreted it.  I also misplaced the Siemens cap, so I couldn't go back.

Anyhow, on eBay, there are also similar DACs, doubling up with the TDA1543.  I wonder IF this configuration gives a better sound.  Anyone?
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: wushuliu on 19 Feb 2012, 04:13 am
Okay,
normally I'd write this off as "Wow, this is amazing for a DAC I found inside a box of Cracker Jacks or a cereal box," but...

I read the designer's page. PLEASE whoever is suggesting we try this little beauty, a little more info.

Are you suggesting this is a serious DAC which can compete with other sub $1k DACs or get you most of the way there? I mean how good is good? Can you compare the sound to any other DACs?

Will this handle 2496?

How long will it run off a 9 volt battery?

I thank the OP. This is quite a find. I'm only asking these "dumb" questions because I'm actually looking to buy a dac for my main system.

Thank you and thanks for sharing.

What roscoe said. The dac consumes ~100mA, so ~2+ hours provided you used 9v NiMH depending (divide the mA capacity of the battery by 100mA).

I am not saying this is a giant-killer, especially in what's now a crowd of Davids.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: sonicxtc on 19 Feb 2012, 04:26 am
Thank you all for the feedback. It is a feat regardless of ultimate sound quality.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: wushuliu on 19 Feb 2012, 04:27 am
I had a NOS DAC a couple of years ago, which used the 1543 DAC.  It was sweet, warm, musical.  I loved it, until I foolished played with it, trying to improve it.  I replaced the output caps (Siemens), hoping to improve on the transparency and bass definition.  And, I regreted it.  I also misplaced the Siemens cap, so I couldn't go back.

Anyhow, on eBay, there are also similar DACs, doubling up with the TDA1543.  I wonder IF this configuration gives a better sound.  Anyone?

From my (limited) experience, the competence of the designer trumps the parts used when it comes to DACs. The Muse for instance uses 4X TDA1543 but falls short of this single chip board - at least in stock form. This Frenchman seems to know what he is doing and did not make the board just to sell. Then there are other factors that I believe fall into this mini's favor like the use of SMDs, which coupled with the minimal space used, significantly reduces signal paths and potentially minimizes issues which can affect larger PCBs with leaded components - but this is admittedly over my head so maybe someone else can chime in here. Plus the separate PS regulators for analog and digital is a plus and is pretty rare for this price range. Finally, unless he has some connection along with his other products, I don't think he is pulling much of a profit from these boards (I don't they're even listed on his website).
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: galyons on 19 Feb 2012, 06:58 am
Looks like a low investment level for a huge bit of fun!! Keep us posted after you get some hours on it!

Cheers,
Geary
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: Rclark on 19 Feb 2012, 07:10 am
Can I ask, what is the point of having multiples of the same chip in there? What exactly is the point of that? I've seen dacs with 16 chips inside.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: srb on 19 Feb 2012, 07:56 am
Can I ask, what is the point of having multiples of the same chip in there? What exactly is the point of that? I've seen dacs with 16 chips inside.

Here is one manufacturer's (LessLoss (http://www.lessloss.com/dac-2004-mkii-c-69.html?zenid=p4gj7ig8um1bqjf50du8c71802)) explanation:
 
"The technical background you need to know is that at the audio output of a DAC chip you have a signal which is mostly current. The output stage of a DAC device always does something called I/U conversion. I/U conversion means conversion from current to voltage. You need to raise the voltage which comes out of the DAC chip. That's what I/U conversion achieves. Now, to carry out I/U conversion, you can do it actively or passively. If you do it actively, then the DAC chip's audio output leg is not under a load. But if you do it passively by means of an output transformer, then what happens is that the DAC chip's audio output leg receives a load. So one solution to overcome this is to use two (or more) DAC chips in parallel so that the DAC chips' output legs now generate a higher current (the curents are added). This higher current can then better handle the load presented by the transformer. This is the only reason multiple DAC chips are used per channel, regardless of what various marketing may state.
 
In the past, when the technology of DAC chips were limited to only 16 bits, this method also was used in order to better the linearity of the DAC chip's performance at low signal levels. However, this linearity issue is entirely moot now that DAC chip technologies have advanced to 24 bits. You may like to know that we have tried this method of stacking DAC chips. If you continue to add converter chips, then you run into distortion and noise due to overly complex design issues. The most elegant solution is to use one converter chip per channel, but to make sure it is the very best chip and to give it pristine, even ideal, electrical conditions to work under. This includes an active output stage of the best possible quality to keep all load off of the DAC output signal leg and to guarantee the best and cleanest possible I/U conversion"
 
Steve
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: Rclark on 19 Feb 2012, 08:03 am

 Fantastic, thanks!
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: sonicxtc on 19 Feb 2012, 02:16 pm
Does anyone know how to get in contact with the DESIGNER of this little dac? An e-mail address? Feel free to PM me if you think it's not "okay" to publish it. Thank you.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: playntheblues on 19 Feb 2012, 02:40 pm
Here is the email I received after my purchase.  I assume he would like the advertising. 

sales@starting-point-systems.com
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: starkiller on 20 Feb 2012, 03:56 am
More info please for those of us to whom the term DIY means fire, lots and lots of fire :lol: Info such as is there a case avaialble?  Real world comparisons with other DAC's...etc...
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: wushuliu on 20 Feb 2012, 08:47 am
More info please for those of us to whom the term DIY means fire, lots and lots of fire :lol: Info such as is there a case avaialble?  Real world comparisons with other DAC's...etc...

No case. He will add a 9v connector for additional cost, and 12v power supplies (cheap SMPS or something like Pangea/Musical Fidelity 12v) are easy enough to find, so no need to DIY. Just won't be much to look at.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: djbnh on 20 Feb 2012, 12:21 pm
Could you use a 12v SLA with this DAC?
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: wushuliu on 20 Feb 2012, 05:49 pm
Could you use a 12v SLA with this DAC?

yes
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: walkern on 22 Feb 2012, 10:37 pm
I bought one of these for my DacIt, and it sounds MUCH better than the stock SMPS wallwart:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Teralink-X2-X1-U9VA-Linear-Low-noise-Power-Supply-/260959402579?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc2647a53 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Teralink-X2-X1-U9VA-Linear-Low-noise-Power-Supply-/260959402579?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc2647a53)

I suspect it might also work with this little DAC, and it is quite affordable.  Shipping from Hong Kong was pretty fast (about a week to the midwest USA).

Neil
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: wushuliu on 22 Feb 2012, 10:44 pm
I bought one of these for my DacIt, and it sounds MUCH better than the stock SMPS wallwart:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Teralink-X2-X1-U9VA-Linear-Low-noise-Power-Supply-/260959402579?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc2647a53 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Teralink-X2-X1-U9VA-Linear-Low-noise-Power-Supply-/260959402579?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc2647a53)

I suspect it might also work with this little DAC, and it is quite affordable.  Shipping from Hong Kong was pretty fast (about a week to the midwest USA).

Neil


I have one of those. They are pretty frickin' cool. They only go from .25v-9v (hear that Squeezebox people?) however, so would not be usable for the 12-15v external connector...
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: celo on 1 Mar 2012, 07:35 pm
So, wushuliu. Can you tell us more about what you think about this DAC? Thanks!
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: wushuliu on 5 Mar 2012, 12:51 am
So, wushuliu. Can you tell us more about what you think about this DAC? Thanks!

My thoughts are unchanged regarding it's performance. Hopefully some other folks will chime in once they get theirs. That said I have gone back to my Essence ST sound card as DAC, as I do think it performs better - but it is also heavily modified.

Forgive me if I don't respond any further in this thread, I am pretty much fed up with forums.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: wangch32 on 9 Mar 2012, 04:12 am
I received this dac a few days ago, didnt know what to expect, never used a external dac before, but in my set up it sounds great, Ive thrown a lot of different types of music at it, I love the sound, I have the toshiba 3950, Sensation 451 with Psvane 12au7, skiing ninja xls encores, vocals sound very nice, mids are wonderful, can listen for hours, thanks for recommending
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: praedet on 22 Mar 2012, 03:20 pm
Anyone know what the specs are on the 12V input?  I can power off a BatteryBUSS output if possible...

Ted
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: Alexdad54 on 28 Mar 2012, 08:36 pm
How would one enclose this? Is something like this suitable? : http://www.rfsupplier.com/aluminum-enclosure-case-433252094lwh-p-1065.html

I'm not much of a DIY'er so don't know if a lot of work would need be done or could one just fit it into a prefabbed enclosure?
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: celo on 28 Mar 2012, 08:56 pm
How would one enclose this? Is something like this suitable? : http://www.rfsupplier.com/aluminum-enclosure-case-433252094lwh-p-1065.html

I'm not much of a DIY'er so don't know if a lot of work would need be done or could one just fit it into a prefabbed enclosure?



I don't blame you for thinking that case may work. It certainly won't becauce this thing is TINY! It measures 7cm x 7cm. With its RCA input in the back and the switches in the front make it 7cm. The side has the AC adapter input which makes it also 7cm. This case will be pretty big for it I think.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: Alexdad54 on 28 Mar 2012, 10:07 pm
Thanks for the info celo, I wish he would put that in his ebay ad! I have written to him asking what he suggests, no answer yet. I have seen a pic of a similar mini dac mounted on a wood base on head-fi....can't find the pic again tho... :duh:
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: celo on 29 Mar 2012, 06:29 am
Thanks for the info celo, I wish he would put that in his ebay ad! I have written to him asking what he suggests, no answer yet. I have seen a pic of a similar mini dac mounted on a wood base on head-fi....can't find the pic again tho... :duh:

No problem. I was shocked to see how tiny it was when I received it. I agree he should be putting that there. He is different with replies. I think sometimes he has email problems and is sometimes busy. However, when he replies he makes sure he answers all your questions with all the details.

I am planning to have a similar wood one also. If you can find yours, I would like you to post it for another option for myself.

(http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/8454/woodcase.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/27/woodcase.jpg/)
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: Alexdad54 on 29 Mar 2012, 12:16 pm
That looks really elegant. Where di d you source it?

Found the page I saw, not really an ideal solution though:  http://forums.audioreview.com/digital-domain-computer-audio/cheap-dac-working-well-36580.html
It's in post #10

I also saw this: http://attitube.com/digital-sources/da-converter/
He did a nice job, not sure where he got the box...

Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: celo on 29 Mar 2012, 12:21 pm
That looks really elegant. Where di d you source it?

Found the page I saw, not really an ideal solution though:  http://forums.audioreview.com/digital-domain-computer-audio/cheap-dac-working-well-36580.html
It's in post #10

I also saw this: http://attitube.com/digital-sources/da-converter/
He did a nice job, not sure where he got the box...



I've found it in Google Images. I like it. I cannot make something like this but I know a wood guy, he may do it for me. Even for free probably since he did some furniture for me before. It will be tiny anyway, I don't think he would even accept money :)
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: Alexdad54 on 4 Apr 2012, 03:02 pm
I've had some correspondence with the maker of this DAC and he's very kindly given me permission to post the link for pictures of an enclosure that one of his customers made for the DAC. It's on his website temporarily as he's almost finished making a website for the DAC. He's also arranging for fabrication of his own aluminum enclosures that will soon be available for purchase with the DAC. It will be similar but a bit larger as he wants it to be easy to move the DAC around an also accommodate two batteries for longer playback time on the batteries alone.
Here's the link: http://www.starting-point-systems.com/Battery_DAC/JSLFUNK_Photos/
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: BrassEar on 16 Apr 2012, 04:26 pm
If anyone is looking for a new DAC, I urge you to try this one. I am using this DAC with the PURE i-20 ipod dock and the combo is amazing. This DAC seems to overcome the isues with NOS DACs of the past (poor dynamics, congested sound during complex passages, etc.) The sound is supremely natural. 

Not a trace of digital nasties. It sounds very much like analog.  At the price, this is stupid great.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: bigjppop on 17 Apr 2012, 08:21 pm
Just ordered one and looking forward to trying it out; I'll be running it from my Apple TV and am really excited about the idea of being able to use batteries in this little baby. I've run into trouble with ground loops in the past and this should make my life a little easier. Now I need to stock up on some good rechargeables.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: ajst2duk on 18 Apr 2012, 06:22 am
Hey - I've had one of these for a while (8 months)  and for the price I thought it was spectacular. Firstly trialled it in our main system, eventually it sat decoding the optical out on the plasma panel for TV/Movies. It is pretty smooth/organic with some rolloff - I changed the output caps to 10ufPIO, noticed an improvement.

(http://www.jenkin.net/images/minidac.jpg)
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: JohnR on 18 Apr 2012, 09:22 am
If anyone is looking for a new DAC, I urge you to try this one. I am using this DAC with the PURE i-20 ipod dock and the combo is amazing. This DAC seems to overcome the isues with NOS DACs of the past (poor dynamics, congested sound during complex passages, etc.) The sound is supremely natural. 

Not a trace of digital nasties. It sounds very much like analog.  At the price, this is stupid great.

Any thoughts on how it compares to the i-20 inbuilt DAC?
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: BrassEar on 19 Apr 2012, 10:55 pm
Any thoughts on how it compares to the i-20 inbuilt DAC?

The i-20 might be slightly more detailed, louder and brighter. The 1543 DAC has slightly less output but is much smoother. It also sounds more tube-like but not real rolled off like other NOS dacs. Better depth too.

The combo i-20 and 1543 dac for $200 is amazing IMHO.

Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: praedet on 6 May 2012, 03:05 am
I am enjoying this thing on a SLA battery...

It eats 9V batteries to fast to recharge them...

So what are the recommendations on the values of the caps to change?
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: kiki on 30 Jun 2012, 07:47 am
No problem. I was shocked to see how tiny it was when I received it. I agree he should be putting that there. He is different with replies. I think sometimes he has email problems and is sometimes busy. However, when he replies he makes sure he answers all your questions with all the details.

I am planning to have a similar wood one also. If you can find yours, I would like you to post it for another option for myself.

(http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/8454/woodcase.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/27/woodcase.jpg/)

Can I ask the inner Dimension? Thanks !
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: JohnR on 1 Aug 2012, 08:46 am
Hey!

Liking it so far  :thumb:
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: TrungT on 1 Aug 2012, 01:48 pm
With optical input, the sound is ok.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=65903)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=65904)
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: praedet on 1 Aug 2012, 02:14 pm
You running off a 12 volt battery?
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: TrungT on 1 Aug 2012, 02:42 pm
Yes, 12v

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=65907)
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: shadowlight on 1 Aug 2012, 03:02 pm
Trung, can you provide information on where you purchased the case from?
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: TrungT on 1 Aug 2012, 03:05 pm
The case was a broken external IDE case I got from AC member.
Recycle  :thumb:
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: shadowlight on 1 Aug 2012, 03:09 pm
The case was a broken external IDE case I got from AC member.
Recycle  :thumb:


Nice, did not think about getting HD case.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: TrungT on 1 Aug 2012, 03:13 pm
Some nice chassis:
http://www.sanjosescientific.com/servlet/the-PRINTED-CIRCUIT-BOARD-ENCLOSURES--PCB-BOXES/Categories (http://www.sanjosescientific.com/servlet/the-PRINTED-CIRCUIT-BOARD-ENCLOSURES--PCB-BOXES/Categories)
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: Letitroll98 on 2 Aug 2012, 03:28 am
Some nice chassis:
http://www.sanjosescientific.com/servlet/the-PRINTED-CIRCUIT-BOARD-ENCLOSURES--PCB-BOXES/Categories (http://www.sanjosescientific.com/servlet/the-PRINTED-CIRCUIT-BOARD-ENCLOSURES--PCB-BOXES/Categories)

Sweeet.  Any guess on which size would be best for this board?
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: TrungT on 2 Aug 2012, 03:44 am
Little more room to breath.
http://www.sanjosescientific.com/servlet/the-2220/5.0%22-L-x-3.12%22/Detail (http://www.sanjosescientific.com/servlet/the-2220/5.0%22-L-x-3.12%22/Detail)
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: JohnR on 2 Aug 2012, 10:12 am
Hi Trung, are you planning to try it with a battery?
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: TrungT on 2 Aug 2012, 11:40 am
Yes, it's run on 12V battery.
I don't have a USB converter, so I send the DAC to a friend to check it out.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: JohnR on 2 Aug 2012, 12:07 pm
I'm sorry, I meant a 9V battery without the battery regulator or charging circuits in place. You have your switches set for an external supply. Well, I'm not sure what difference it makes in practice.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: wushuliu on 2 Aug 2012, 11:03 pm
I preferred using both 9v battery as buffer and an external supply. Did not try 12v battery for external though.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: JohnR on 8 Aug 2012, 03:52 pm
Has anyone tried different output caps? (And/or would anyone happen to know what type of caps are on the board?)
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: wushuliu on 8 Aug 2012, 04:27 pm
Has anyone tried different output caps? (And/or would anyone happen to know what type of caps are on the board?)

I removed them and did not replace them since the receiver/pre blocks the dc. I think those are 47uf polymer caps on there. Not bad really to my ears.
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: BrassEar on 18 Sep 2012, 10:11 pm
Looks like a used one on ebay with power supply.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290771560909?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/290771560909?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649)

Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: wushuliu on 18 Sep 2012, 11:57 pm
Looks like a used one on ebay with power supply.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290771560909?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/290771560909?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649)

That didn't last long!

Looks like the original went up in price. $140 shipped now...
Title: Re: Miniature TDA1543 DAC Brings the Goods
Post by: JohnR on 19 Sep 2012, 05:01 am
I'll sell mine if anyone wants one at the old price  :green: