[Jay Decker]

Question:  Has anyone built a Lampucera DAC with I2S or USB input functionality? If so, how did you do it, e.g., use another base DAC board with I2S or USB input, or access the I2S input on the CS8416 + CS4397 evaluation board?

Just about to order the last of the components to build a Lampucera with the standard TOSLINK and coax SPDIF PCM inputs that are directly supported on the DAC evaluation board upon which the Lampucera is based.  However, the source for my audio system is built around hires streaming DSD 512 through USB or I2S.  So, I like to know if you’ve already know an upgrade path that adds this functionality.

[WGH]

However, the source for my audio system is built around hires streaming DSD 512 through USB or I2S.

The specs for the DAC board states it supports a max 24 bit/192kHz PCM input and nothing about DSD let alone DSD512. DSD 512 is approximately comparable to 22,600 kHz, way above the 192kHz CS8416/CS4397 chip spec.

The CS8416 is a digital audio receiver that supports sample rates up to 192 kHz PCM.
The CS4397 is a complete high performance 24-bit 48/96/192 kHz stereo digital-to-analog conversion system


You could add a WaveIO USB to SPDIF converter but the input will still be limited to PCM only.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=171381.msg1813677#msg1813677



Even the excellent ANK DACs and DDDAC DACs don't do DSD. The HoloAudio DACs are one of the few that do true NOS PCM and DSD with no signal manipulation but they are not DIY.

[Jay Decker]

Thank you for responding.  I did not look at the tech specs.  I should have and I would have seen it can’t support DSD 512. The DAC board has some I2S labeling on a small section that suggested it could accept I2S, which is what confused me.

So, the “magic” of the Lampucera DAC is attributed to the selection of a DAC chip that sounds good and can be used as grid signal for a simple grounded cathode tube buffer design.  The result is reported to be a DAC that has a great tambre and sound stage. 

My streamer will output PCM too, so the Lampucera with the PCM DAC board will work.  I’m looking for an upgrade path to replace the DAC board in the future.  Have any suggestions for where to find a DAC board that does DSD and might be a good candidate to steal signal from the DAC chip for a tube buffer?

[WGH]

a good candidate to steal signal from the DAC chip for a tube buffer?

It may just be a little more complicated than that.

Flagship DIY DAC by IanCanada. USB I2S Coax.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYEF6UUfkrw

Support I2S input/output up to 768KHz
Support native DSD input/output up to DSD 1024

[Jay Decker]

Flagship DIY DAC by IanCanada. USB I2S Coax.

Awesome!  That gives me a new avenue to pursue - thanks!

[Wayne1]

http://jlsounds.com/ak4493.html