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The DAC system is based on the same PCM1792 chip, but is entirely redesigned, and interfaced through digital isolators to I2S lines on ST/STX board. Double regulation levels using TPS and ADM7151 ultra low noise regulators on DAC board. The fully differential (OPA1632) I/V and final buffer are also powered by TPS ultra low regulators dedicated to every opamp chip on board. Independent PSU using R core transformer, with AC main filter. This DAC system is completely electrical isolated from the rest of the computer.
The stock clock oscillators on original ST/STX board are replaced by NDK/Connor-Winfield ones, which are powered from battery. The battery provide power for more than 40 hours continuous functioning (charging while the system is powered off). The clock board is damping mounted to completely prevent any mechanical vibrations from the rest of the host computer. Power up/down management included.
Balanced outputs (XLR) as standard (right and improved AC coupling approach), with RCA are also available if necessary.
The sound card it still be fully functional in its original design. The new added DAC system it works in parallel with the original one.
Follow Ups:
buy how does it sound wrt stock and what has been the cost?
Well, the sound is just amazing. It is very difficult to make a difference between such DAC based on PCM1792/4 and one based on ESS9018. Actually the PCM179x family are very good DACs, only the circuits it belongs it may lower their quality. In this case the SQ it depend also by the rest of the computer configuration, and the updated components. However, the results are just over expectations.
The cost for me to finalise such project it was quite high, many improvisations and trials to find the best way... and it took enough time. With this professional approach the results are accordingly. Actually there is here about a complete DAC system, fully galvanic isolated from the computer, I2S connected/interface, and outputting on XLR (and/or RCA too) directly to an power amp.
The actual costs of the kit is 600$, and it is plug and play.
can this be bought and where?One other question. In Windows are all sample rates available to 32 bit integer, inclucding 176.4k to 192 and or 384k
Edits: 05/28/16
This kit is available, please PM me for details. I may need your board to solder in the interface connector for the DAC, and to adapt it mechanically for the kit (here is about the aluminium cover).This DAC system it have the limitations of the original Asus Xonar ST/STX soundcard, which is based on, as both digital processor and software/driver.
All sampling frequencies available (max 192kHz), at 32 bit for ASIO, KS, WASAPI, and all this in Windows. I use Unixonar modified driver for best results, and JRiver player on a win8 tweaked for audio. Also Foobar it works just fine too.
The original board still be in function exactly as it was designed by Asus. Installing this kit do not involve any modification on the original board. Both the DAC kit and the original DAC it work in parallel on the same digital interface.
The last upgrade of the DAC kit approach, and the only modification for the original board, is adding an ultra low noise regulator (ADM7151) for the 3,3V rile on board (digital stage), and disconnecting so the card from the computer (very noisy) main 3,3v rail. The rest it stil as it was designed by Asus.
The whole kit is independent functionally, it can be disconnected from the board and interfaced through a Hirose connector to any wanted I2S interface compatible with PCM179x.
Edits: 05/28/16
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