[samplesj]

After getting all of the issues fixed from my backward diode here is the picture thread.  I made a few changes, but nothing that really alters the design

I still need to add decal labels, but that is on hold.  I bought an Alps printer that can print white, but after my first sheet I managed to rip a ribbon cable trying to get clean the head good.  Fixing that thing is next on my list now.

Here is what I changed:

• Left out all of the USB parts (already using a squeezebox [no computer noise])
• No selector switch (only 1 coax input)
• No volume switch
• Mundorf Silver/Oil caps for the output caps (C409)
• Sonicap Gen 1 for B+ supply (C411/407) [different sizes because different voltage rating - Sonicraft didn't have enough of the lower voltage ones so I subd higher voltage]
• Sonicap Gen 1 for digital input (C415/417)
• Corcom filtered/switched/fused power inlet
• Vampire internal mount copper RCA jacks

I'm really surprised with this one.  I was really happy with my Benchmark DAC1, but I bought this kit because I was going to build all of my gear into a single box.  When I abandoned that idea I wasn't sure that I'd end up using the Chime, but since I'd already bought the HagDac I decided to try it out.  There really isn't a comparison.  The Chime is a MUCH better DAC.  It gives up nothing in the detail arena, but adds so much more body/richness.  The highs are much more sparkly and the strings actually have body to their sound.  Everything is just so much more 3d.  The Benchmark sounds flat in comparison.  I did a head to head today (with matched volume within 1dB) and couldn't image going back.  Not that the DAC1 isn't good.  I really enjoyed it for over a year, but the Chime is just that much better.  If you are a DIY'er then the Chime is a no-brainer compared to the Benchmark (its cheaper AND better).  Even at 2x the price of a DAC1 for a finished Chime I'd probably go for it.

Pictures (click on description for full sized picture):
power input, tx, and input jack wiring close up

caps and front of board close up

Closeup on rack

Full equipment rack


Anyway, thanks Mr Hagerman for another great sounding design!

I've done a bit of tube rolling and I've ended up with a JJ GZ34 (over Sovtek 5Y3 and 5AR4), JJ ECC82/12AU7 (over RCA blackplate), and short plate Mullard ECC83/12AX7 (over Sovtek LPS and JJ).  Still got more tubes coming.  I figure I'll try several different tubes and sell the extras (its worth the small resale loss to hear the different flavors)

If you've been sitting on the fence because you didn't know how this compared to some of the other popular DACs let me just say I had my doubts too, but I'm REALLY happy now.  Jump off that fence and get your iron ready.

[dnewman]

...Left out all of the USB parts (already using a squeezebox [no computer noise])

And if you haven't replaced the power supply on your SqueezeBox, you might want
to give that some thought.  While I knew that the SqueezeBox 3 has a lousy PSU, I never
worried too much as I wasn't the SB3's analog outputs.  But then I switched from an
amp with balanced XLR inputs to a more sensitive amp with RCA inputs only.  That's when
I discovered a TERRIBLE hum problem.  Turns out that my SB3 was putting 49 VAC @ 60Hz
onto its ground and thus onto the grounded "shields" of its RCA and, more importantly,
S/PDIF outputs.  Of course, the culprit was the PSU for the SB3: it was producing
a potential difference of ~5.14V between its +5V and Ground outputs.  However, that
potential difference was riding atop 49 VAC @ 60Hz.  (I'm guessing that the transformer
inside the wall wart had a short.)

I'm now running with a DIM (Did It Myself) PSU and a small isolation transformer
for good measure.

Cheers,
Dan

[samplesj]

...Left out all of the USB parts (already using a squeezebox [no computer noise])

And if you haven't replaced the power supply on your SqueezeBox, you might want
to give that some thought. 

I have already.  I borrowed another audiocircler's design and gave it digikey part numbers in this thread.  I did hear an improvement from the elpac (one of the older ones that was plug and play) to it.  Even the elpac was much better than stock (I have it in the den system now). 

It was originally in a mdf box, but when I ordered the enclosures for the HagTech kits I bought an extra lansing chassis.  I figured that even though they are steep, it was nice and roomy and matched the rest of the gear.  You can actually see the power supply right next to the sb3 at the bottom of the rack on the right.  I've also upgraded it a bit since that thread.  While I was ordering boutique parts for kits from Parts Connextion I went ahead and ordered a pair of big Jensen 4 pole caps.   I wasn't able to compare to the original since I reused most of the same parts and couldn't do a head to head, but I'm definately happy with it.

For a very long time I was using a dual Felicia balanced power conditioner for the sb3, but I took it apart when I upgraded to the HagTech kits (not enough juice for anything but the sb3 power supply now).  Maybe I'll put it back together soon for just this one component, but I'm not sure.  I've actually got to do more comparisons between my Running Springs Duke and BPT 3.5 vs straight out of the wall and through the tripp lite I'm using temporarily.