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The Dac kit 2.1 in its "B" configuration has an interstage transformer between the Dac board and the tube output board. What are the values on this transformer? I am asking because I want to mod the Dac 1.1x/II Sig that is in my AN CD player and add this transformer. A wise man has told me to use a Sowter transformer (see the attached link). Can anyone possibly find a match? Thanks
"Live free or die"
Edits: 02/18/09
Or is the idea to gain experience through experimentation?Stating your goals will yield the best advice.
Edits: 02/18/09
I am learning slowly how to improve the sound of new equipment by relatively easy modifications suggested by others (always with a second and third opinion) and enjoy both the work and, usually, the results.
"Live free or die"
Why don't you just order from Brian at AN kits?
Here is a cheap option to experiment with, EDCOR 600 ohm matching transformers
http://www.edcorusa.com/products/transformers/wsm/wsm600-600.html
I started with these $10 transformers, and the improvement was noticeable,
not earth shattering, but a little more refined. The transformers are not shielded so placement is a consideration. Hook up is easy.
I have a spare pair if you want them, send me an email with your mailing address and I will send them to you with hook up instructions.
Tom R
You installed these in what? The 2.1-B kit already has the I/V transformers between the DAC and the output stage. Did you mod the A version? Or did you apply this to a DAC 1.1x/II Sig? Or something different?
"Live free or die"
Hi Tom. I have decided on a different approach. I will bypass the opamp as I am sure the kit does. The DAC will see ONLY the primary of transformer (1:1.5) and the secondary will be connected to tube grid with a 500 Ohm resistor (roughly 20 Ohms*1.5^2) to ground. I will use a pair of Sowter 9545s, if they fit. They appear to be huge.
"Live free or die"
Sound like you have found what you are looking for. Sorry for the mis information. I have a DAC 1.2, which is much different than the newer 2.1 versions. Thought I could offer some help. Good luke with you project.
Tom R
I am not sure he sells pieces of kits. PQ does not sell the interstage transformer he uses in his Dac 2 and up.
"Live free or die"
Check out "components" in Audio Note website ... you just might find the transformer you're looking for. OTOH ... there are a lot of winders out there and Sowter is one of the oldest, I think (i think old man Sowter wrote some papers on transformer theory ... somewhere in AES files). If your DAC does not use it now, then look for a unity gain 1:1 transformer. They will attenuate high frequencies waaay above 20kHz, thereby eliminating it from your tube circuit.
1. PQ says he doesn't sell the part, also
2. Hifi Collective has a bunch of AN interstage transformers (none of which look like the one in the kit). and
3. Because of my confusion about whether I really want an interstage transformer (which I usually associate with an amplifier) or an a Dac-Grid transformer. However, I can't find a Sowter that is 1:1.
"Live free or die"
Dear Mac,
It is correct that we have stopped selling the components directly, but they are still sold via our distribution network, Anders at Audio Consult sells them all, although he rarely holds stock, neither do we for that matter, they are generally made to order or for internal production.
The I/V interface transformers you are looking for are the TRANS-496 and 497, we are redesigning the versions used in the other DACs at the moment to fit metric bobbins (the old imperial types are getting too hard to find), so expect to see revised versions for sale within the next 3 - 4 months.
Sincerely,
Peter Qvortrup
NT
"Live free or die"
one : measure AC voltage out from your DAC chip, say at 100Hz, 500Hz, 2kHz and 10kHz(from a test CDs. stereophile, chesky, etc...) (use an o-scope. most DMMs are frequency selective). two, measure AC voltage at the grid of your first triode (again use o-scope). three, measure AC voltage out of the unit, at the RCA output. Let us start from there ... BTW, what is/are your tube/s and how is/are they configured? Let's get the voltages and then we ask the guys at tube diy. For all we know, you already have the best there could ever be ... A transformer could provide magical mids, but soft lows and highs. You'd probably need, assuming you need a pair at all, a very small transformer. Get one encased in what is known as mu-metal shield (metal cylinders) like the ones used in microphones or just a little bit bigger. But transformer specs has to conform to your specific circuit. Another btw, a bigger "improvement" could be achieved by building a better and separate power supply for both the digital board and the output tube/s. Cheers
Thanks very much for the detailed information. I see where you are going. I don't have access to an O-scope, but i do have access to a local technician who upgrades AN equipment.
The DAC and output circuits (and parts) look identical to the AN Dac 1.1x/II Sig. I say this not as result of measuring anything, but poking around under the hood. Th tube output is 2xECC88s. It looks like a cathode follower. Is that possible?
I think you are right about new power supplies, but this looked like the easiest, cheapest first thing to do, but it may not be as easy as it looks. Maybe I was wrong. I have decided to stay away from the jitter issue. It's too complicated for me.
"Live free or die"
i started reading on digital-jitter, etc...I am afraid that by the time I would have a vague understanding, I wouldn't be able to handle a soldering iron anymore ...the great digital divide... hehehe. k-follower is possible, low Zout for dynamics. But you'd get "gain" of around 0.9. That means a voltage amp BEFORE the k-follower. I did see some AN stand-alone DACs and they used what they called an SRPP configuration, producing around 2V peak-to-peak output. Sitting down with a qualified tech would be the way to go. Enjoy the weekend.
I've been talking with a local guy and Lukasz Ficus, a polish guy who is called "The Lampizator". He has a home page that's fun under the last "name". He comes highly recommended by the chief designer at deHavilland whose name I will not drop, but i respect her openness and products a lot.
"Live free or die"
ya ... Lucas not only knows a lot, but more importantly, has had long experience with many digital circuits
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