Well, what's the controller doing?  Does I2S negate issues w/ the clock?

Let's just say that I have heard the 12Mhz crystal oscillator might have issues compared to alternatives.  See below.


Still, great PS build!  I want to do one and also grab a UD100 to compare.

It gave smoothness and extension (especially in the low end) and massive improvement in dynamics... also widened the stereo image... (and all this with very simple LM317 regulation)

Excellent! That's generally what I've heard with better USB power: smoothness, bass extension, dynamics, more open.
Please keep us posted.

Thank you very much!! i will keep you posted...

Anaxilus i want to personally thank you for your mod of the HD800, it just made the headphones so much better... and it gives so much more enjoyment to us!! thanks again!!

I didn't understand what you said about the frequencies... i am no tek guy... (just i guy who likes music, nice sounding hifi so that i can enjoy the music, and also very curious to know what and why.... and also to play around with stuff...)...but i am sure you are most probably right...

If it is not much trouble i would like it in simpler words, my mother tongue is not English...

Thank you!!

Well it all depends... you can do it very cheap but not as efficient... meaning build a LM317 supply yourself and add a cheap 50VA transformer, in any cheap case, canibalize an existing usb cable... this will be in the region of 40euros

If you want a nice case and Salas supply, high quality transormer, with "audiophile" capacitors, nice cable (Mogami), nice usb neutrik socket, ferrite rings all over, emi/rfi filter, etc it will be in the region of 150euro...

I have not heard the Salas version (if all goes well, i will have mine built in the weekend), but it is said that it makes a very audible improvement over simple supplies...

I have heard this in various Bufallo dacs... the best ones had Salas and massive transformers.

I do not know if galvanic isolation will improve things... this is also to be added to the cost should you wish to implement it as well.

The "cheaper" LM317 method is also universal i must add, because it does not take in account current and consumption so you can use it with any usb device, the Salas is only implemented for the specific circuit and it may not easily be used on another with other current/wattage as efficiently... this is  also something to take into consideration... 

I am very confident to say though, that in the budget dac arena this is something really good and it would be really worthwhile to give it a test, in this forum.