[Christof]

I just bought a new fancy pants - Leigh dovetail machine for my woodshop and I have a hankering to make a little dovetailed box to go somewhere in my system.  I've never built (soldered) anything but crossovers so I don't know if I'm getting in over my head if I buy a DAC kit, something like the Scott Nixon kit.  If I can read a XO schematic and build it without any trouble can I build a DAC from a kit?  I assume most of the kits spell everything out pretty good, no?

Thanks
-c

[SET Man]

Hey!

    Well, here I am again telling people about this DAC kit again

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=32778.0

    To find out just click on the link and check it out

    This kit is perfect for anyone from beginning to seasoned DIYer. I don't think you could do it any cheaper than that! You could make it cheaper than my by stick it in a cigar box or metal coffee/tea/cookie box and use cheap wall adapter

     Yes, I really enjoying this "simple" DAC kit.   I think it will be fun first project for you.  And I think you will be pretty surprised by the sound of this little guy

    Well, have fun and keep us posted on your project

Take care,
Buddy
   

[Christof]

Has anyone here ordered an amp or DAC kit and found they were in way over their heads?  I'd love to give it a try but I'm no EE.

The $40 Dac kit looks like a good first project but I was thinnking about something from Scott Nixon.  He mentions that his builds are not for beginners?

[SET Man]

Has anyone here ordered an amp or DAC kit and found they were in way over their heads?  I'd love to give it a try but I'm no EE.

The $40 Dac kit looks like a good first project but I was thinnking about something from Scott Nixon.  He mentions that his builds are not for beginners?

Hey!

   I see... I did checked out the Scott Nixon site and his DACs. It seem like his basic DAC kit is pretty much the same as my kit. From what I see it look like it use the same TDA1543 chip and same receiver chip. So, it is about the same when is come to assembling. His tubed DAC seem a tad more complicated.... just more parts.

    Anyway, you are worry too much. Just go ahead and order the kit you want. Take your time to do it. I'm sure you will be fine I'm not sure what tube is used in the tube kit but seem like a lower voltage one so it won't be that bad as those that need higher voltage...  but be careful when assemble it anyway.

    Just do some practice on soldering before. Try not to solder parts too long especially with those chips or you will burn it. Also, be careful with the static charge when handling and soldering those chips.... you don't want to wear a wool socks, walk around carpet than soldering the chip after!

Take care,
Buddy

[amplifierguru]

Hi Christof,

You don't need to be an EE to build a kit amp or DAC... many of my clients are first time amp constructors but with their feedback I have honed my instructions into a step by step comprehensive document easily understood and progressive.
It's been a great learning curve for Rez, Chad, etc..and me, and many are now on their second or third DIY projects... you learn a helluva lot on the first one then it just gets easier ... on both sides of the fence.

Cheers,
Greg

[MaxCast]

Hi Christof, I built a foreplay preamp with no previous experience.  Go for it 

[Gordy]

Hello Christof,

I'm going to give the EZdac  http://www.ezdiyaudio.com/   a try soon, sounds like a very interesting unit!  While discussing it with RandyTsuch, he sent me these great hints and tutorial links on SM soldering 

http://www.infidigm.net/articles/solder/

http://tangentsoft.net/elec/movies/

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=165894&page=2&highlight=%22solder+paste%22

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1725176&postcount=7

[fajimr]

hey christof

by the looks of your skill in woodworking.. the dac kit will be a piece of cake  .  I built my own AKSA amp with no previous experience- hugh's great instructions certainly helped but I was the one doing the soldering.  I'd recommend picking up a couple of small practice kits for a few bucks and practice soldering and desoldering (make sure and get a desoldering wick)...  just remember to keep the soldering tip clean!!!  once you get the hang of it you will be on your way!!!  good luck, jim

[Christof]

hey christof

by the looks of your skill in woodworking.. the dac kit will be a piece of cake  .  I built my own AKSA amp with no previous experience- hugh's great instructions certainly helped but I was the one doing the soldering.  I'd recommend picking up a couple of small practice kits for a few bucks and practice soldering and desoldering (make sure and get a desoldering wick)...  just remember to keep the soldering tip clean!!!  once you get the hang of it you will be on your way!!!  good luck, jim

You've never seen my fingers

I think I will give the DAC a try, now I just need to decide on which one.  Another question, can I install the DAC in a wooden project box without any risk of burning down the house? 

-c

[SET Man]

I think I will give the DAC a try, now I just need to decide on which one.  Another question, can I install the DAC in a wooden project box without any risk of burning down the house? 

-c

Hey!

    Yes, you can put them in woodend box But if you are going for the tube DAC kit than make sure you have enough ventilation for it.

    My DAC Kit is in a acrylic case and my SET monoblocs have wooden base. No problem at all. And if you look back you will notice that many component like tube receivers in the '50s and '60s use wooden case So, don't worry it will be fine. But remember if you are building a hot running things like power amp, tube amp or pre make sure you make enough ventilation holes for it and leave some room between the tube and the wood

   Well, have fun and keep us posted on your project. And I could bet you that once you finished your first DIY project you will be thinking about the next one right after

Take care,
Buddy