[Will2]

Hi Steve,

Like you, I'm interested in looking for a DAC in the sub $1k range and came across this http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-line-level/147817-ackodac-based-es9018.html .  Acko sent me a PM today saying a new version of the board will be out soon and there will be a fully-assembled version in an enclosure available for those who, like me, might need all the help we can get.  I'd be interested to hear if anyone else here has any views on it.

Cheers
Will

[Don_S]

We may be posting in vain, as although Don_S has posted on AudioCircle as recently as today, he is MIA from this post that he started 3 months ago.
 
Steve

Steve,  I am still here and watching this thread.  Cut me some slack, the first response was only three days ago and my wonderful computer has H1N1 which makes everything just a little more fun.  I have been busy checking out the suggestions. Since there was such a lag time between my question and the responses I decided I may have to shift my focus and look at tube preamps instead. I am also considering Ayon.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.  I know I asked a difficult question because I had already done my homework and had not find much except Audio Note.  Keep the suggestions and dialog coming so others may benefit from the discussion as well.

[srb]

Sorry Don, I did not notice that the first reply had only just come in, but I did see that you were around on the Circle.  Slack cut.
 
So are you looking for this DAC to switch several (two? three?) balanced analog sources, and do you have a passive volume control in your setup?
 
Steve

[Don_S]

Steve,

I am not sure I understand where your questions are headed.  I am looking for a tube DAC to switch multiple (including one balanced) digital inputs. My preamplifier has active volume control and can accept/switch any analog sources I would use.

[Don_S]

ACCUSTIC ARTS TUBE DAC II

Good call, thanks.  I need more inputs.

[srb]

I am not sure I understand where your questions are headed.  I am looking for a tube DAC to switch multiple (including one balanced) digital inputs. My preamplifier has active volume control and can accept/switch any analog sources I would use.

Don,
 
Most of the DACs I have seen have their XLR digital input labeled as "AES/EBU", and when I saw "Balanced In", I wrongly assumed balanced analog inputs.  The Audio Note labels the XLR connections as "XLR Balanced Outputs" and "XLR Input", but of course the XLR input is a balanced 110 ohm digital input.
 
I have also seen DACs that have additional analog inputs (but not balanced ones) for convenience switching purposes.
 
Sorry for my misunderstanding.  Hope you get more suggestions that fill your requirements.
 
Steve

[Don_S]

I am not sure I understand where your questions are headed.  I am looking for a tube DAC to switch multiple (including one balanced) digital inputs. My preamplifier has active volume control and can accept/switch any analog sources I would use.

Don,
 
Most of the DACs I have seen have their XLR digital input labeled as "AES/EBU", and when I saw "Balanced In", I wrongly assumed balanced analog inputs.  The Audio Note labels the XLR connections as "XLR Balanced Outputs" and "XLR Input", but of course the XLR input is a balanced 110 ohm digital input.
 
I have also seen DACs that have additional analog inputs (but not balanced ones) for convenience switching purposes.
 
Sorry for my misunderstanding.  Hope you get more suggestions that fill your requirements.
 
Steve

Steve,  Confusion understood.  I got lazy.  It is easier to type balanced instead of AES/EBU and many manufacturers/users simply refer to balanced vs single-ended or unbalanced.  Other manufacturers cover all the terminology bases--it can get confusing especially when S/PDIF (RCA, BNC, TOSLINK) is thrown into the mix.

From Accustic Art--no doubt about what the inputs are:

1 x AES/EBU; balanced ? 110 Ω (XLR)
1 x S/P-DIF; unbalanced ? 75 Ω (RCA)
1 x S/P-DIF; unbalanced ? 75 Ω (BNC)

[poseidonsvoice]

You can have your cake and eat it too. He can also hook you up with a remote control through Bent Audio.

Anand,
 
Like you say, we can all learn something here, because I guess Don_S is out!
 
I looked through the K&K Audio site, and saw the prices for all the modules.  I also saw a complete kit with enclosure for $1799.  So that it appears that the enclosure and some jacks and IEC connector is about $460.  That seems a little steep, and I'm not exactly sure what is included.  One coaxial RCA input jack, 2 RCA output jacks, 2 XLR output jacks and the IEC connector?  And it appears 2 wood knobs also, but you wouldn't be using them unless you bought the second input and volume options.
 
I also see that the enclosure is 18-1/8" wide which is kind of strange (I have 18-1/2" clearance in my rack).
 
There is no mention of assembly offered, although you alluded to that.  What does this DAC cost assembled, tested and waranteed for someone that doesn't want to DIY?
 
That being said, it's out of my price range.  I was following and posting in the Eastern Electric DAC thread http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=72820.0.  I wondered if you had read any of that, and have any comments on that for someone like me who doesn't need balanced outputs and wants to spend about 1/3 of what the Rakk DAC might cost?
 
Steve

I would e-mail Kevin Carter directly for assembled pricing. Okay for $1799 you are getting:

1. Full active output stage kit - $849.
2. Premium Rakk dac power supply - $119.
3. RAKK dac kit - $369.
4. LL1683 Power transformer for the Active Output stage - $175

So the cost of the enclosure, input/output jacks, etc...silk screening, etc... is $287.

Anand.