FACTOID
DAC chips are particularly sonically sensitive to supplies that power them. More specifically, one of the largest contributors to differences in digital to analog converters characteristic sounds are the regulators that supply the DAC chips within them. The more current the DAC chip, the more this seems to be the case. I've been well aware of this for quite some time.
BACKGROUND
Every commercial offering of a digital-to-analog converter I’ve made to date, e.g., the Ultra Fi DAC-41, dB Audio Labs Tranquility - Signature Edition, dB Audio Labs Tranquility, etc., has had two-stage regulation for the DAC chip. The first is straight forward and is a select, fixed voltage, three terminal, surface mount, linear voltage regulator. The second stage is a rather simple, elegant, discrete regulator that I developed a number of years ago. The second discrete regulator was chosen after listening to literally dozens of different designs and, has stood the test of time - until now!
FORWARD
In the process of designing and developing a regulator for a use with a DAC chip in an upcoming offering, I finally arrived at a circuit that I am truly happy with. This new regulator measures extremely well, yet sounds equally good - those things don't always go together. It too is a discrete design and it built entirely of surface mount (SMD) parts - rather small ones too! Some of these parts weren't even available when the regulator found in the aforementioned products was developed. These parts drastically reduce packaging parasitics affording the excellent measured performance while eliminating the sonic degradations commonly found in thru-hole parts.
DEVELOPMENT
So, it occurred to me, what it sound like if I put one of these regulators in the DAC-41 or a Tranquility?
Having built both thru-hole and SMD versions of this regulator in its development, I knew SMD was a must; but, how - after all, I couldn't replace the circuit boards?
APPLICATION
So, I did layout for a 0.5" wide by 1.5" tall circuit board for the new regulator circuit having three terminals, two sided to minimizing inductance, that fits the SMD layout for the first stage of regulation found in the DAC-41 and Tranquilities. I call this the TWIN REG.
Thus, I could remove the first stage of regulation and replace it with the TWIN REG and, simply remove the old second stage discrete regulator - bypassing it completely, if you will.
LISTENING TESTS
Here's highlights from my listening notes using the TWIN REG in my system at Studio Ultra Fi:
- quieter, blacker background
- images float better
- better instrument delineation and separation
- speakers disappear moreso or better
- bass frequencies have more character and power
- easier to follow lyrics
- less congestion
- greater front to back layering
- modernizes the sound of the dac
The other night, these sonic impressions confirmed by a friend in his system.
OFFER
While a bit of a bear to build, what with its small size, the sonic results are more than I hoped for. In fact, I'm so happy with the sound, I'm offering the TWIN REG as an upgrade to all DAC-41 and Tranquility owners.
The TWIN REG upgrade retails for $300 - selling for the introductory price of $250. The TWIN REG in no way effects the warranty for Ultra Fi products. For dB Audio Labs Tranquility DACs, I am including a one year warranty for those DACs receiving a TWIN REG.
In most cases, the turn around for fitting a DAC with a TWIN REG will be one working day.
Contact is available through the Ultra Fi website linked below or you may reach me at (513) 417-0130.
Larry D. Moore
www.ultrafi.bizFollowing are pics of both sides of a TWIN REG:
