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Author Topic: Unknown DIY DAC Kit: Dual ESS ES9018 implementation  (Read 9925 times)

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AnakChan

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Unknown DIY DAC Kit: Dual ESS ES9018 implementation
« on: May 17, 2013, 11:04:50 AM »
This is a shot in the dark question and I think I can guess what the generic responses will be but will give it a shot and ask anyhow.

I came across this DAC kit in Japan's Yahoo Auction and I know from pix or specs it's going to be hard to tell whether it's good or not but maybe for those with sharp eyes and DAC-know-how may be able to provide some leads and guidance to "give it a shot" or stay away altogether.

Auction: http://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/168080966
Product Website: http://htpc.jp/t46v3/es9018v3.html
Maker Website: http://htpc.jp/index.html







The maker likes to put the kit form up for auction but complete units can be purchased from him too. He has two models, single ES9018 and dual ES9018. The USBDSD I2S is a daughter board and seems to be using a Xilinx Spartan FPGA.

(non-auction) Pricing:
1) Dual ES9018 main board kit: $600
2) Transformer: $100
3) USBDSD daughter board: $170
4) Chassis: $390
5) additional RJ45I2S or BNC interface: $10

Any thoughts or comments on whether it's worthy of a shot or if it's an obvious lemon?
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Hroðulf

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Re: Unknown DIY DAC Kit: Dual ESS ES9018 implementation
« Reply #1 on: May 17, 2013, 11:13:23 AM »
Well, it does look better than the usual e-bay garbage.
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AnakChan

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Re: Unknown DIY DAC Kit: Dual ESS ES9018 implementation
« Reply #2 on: May 17, 2013, 11:27:32 AM »
Quote from: RudeWolf on May 17, 2013, 11:13:23 AM
Well, it does look better than the usual e-bay garbage.
Actually, thanks for the pointer! I never thought of cross checking eBay. Looks like it does appear there too as "LKS Audio". Design looks to be exactly the same.

Looks like I need to do more digging around still myself.
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shipsupt

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Re: Unknown DIY DAC Kit: Dual ESS ES9018 implementation
« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2013, 01:50:15 PM »
Needs MOAR CAPS!
 
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Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

Anaxilus.

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Re: Unknown DIY DAC Kit: Dual ESS ES9018 implementation
« Reply #4 on: May 17, 2013, 03:41:24 PM »
Where's the power supply?

Isn't that price getting you into Buffalo territory and then some?
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sheya

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Re: Unknown DIY DAC Kit: Dual ESS ES9018 implementation
« Reply #5 on: May 17, 2013, 04:12:16 PM »
Why spend that much on an unknown DAC?  You could build a Buffalo III from Twisted Pear, which has a long standing good reputation and wide implementation and support.  TP spent many years and made many iterations to get the most they could out of the ESS chip.  Even Oppo has stated that the ESS DAC does not yield great sonics without adjusting the implementation from the sample board.  This DIY version isn't even really DIY, it is more assemble yourself.  You might as well get an Oppo 105 if you are going to spend that much money on this unknown DAC.  If the money is irrelevant to you and you just want to try something new, then go for it.  If this is the only DAC you are going to be able to purchase and use for a while, then you might consider other, more tested options. 

I didn't google translate the page, but I couldn't find any measurements.  A small company like this with no reputation should post measurements if they want to be taken seriously at the prices they are charging.  It isn't really possible to look at pictures and be able to tell what kind of jitter numbers, or distortion numbers they were able to achieve with their implementation.   

I've been running a Buffalo II for years, and have never regretted the choice.  I have been able to add Arduino control, an Amanero USB to i2s, change the output stage, upgrade the power supply, etc over the years.  I was running the Buffalo as a DSD DAC from a hacked Philips 963SA before you could buy a commercial DSD input DAC.  There is a lot of fun and reward in having a DIY DAC, and the flexibility and ability to upgrade that is offered by the Twisted Pear Buffalo's modular nature makes it that much more rewarding.  I have not been able to find a set of detailed measurements for the Buffalo, but it does have a very wide base of implementation and a sterling reputation to back it up, which in part makes up for the lack of measurements.w
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sachu

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Re: Unknown DIY DAC Kit: Dual ESS ES9018 implementation
« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2013, 04:13:32 PM »
errr. Anax.. the power supply is also on the same board...
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Anaxilus.

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Re: Unknown DIY DAC Kit: Dual ESS ES9018 implementation
« Reply #7 on: May 17, 2013, 04:56:11 PM »
Then why does the price list show a $100 transformer and the board doesn't?  Yes, I see a bunch of caps.... ::)
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Anaxilus.

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Re: Unknown DIY DAC Kit: Dual ESS ES9018 implementation
« Reply #8 on: May 17, 2013, 05:02:09 PM »
Anyway, I'd prefer a dedicated PS for each stage myself.
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Lil Knight

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Re: Unknown DIY DAC Kit: Dual ESS ES9018 implementation
« Reply #9 on: May 17, 2013, 05:23:13 PM »
 Did TPA ever publish any measurement for their Buffalo?

The prices are pretty straightforward to me. Board with integrated PSU (of course without transformer) is $600. Power transformer, additional $100. Seems to me they have separated PSU for the DAC and IV sections. I personally prefer an all in one board like this, rather than a bunch of boards, modules and wires, and stuff from TPA. I have seen many Buffalo builds in which people try to squeeze as many stuff as possible, and they all look like rat nest to me. Take this thing as an example: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-line-level/212747-build-thread-tpa-biii-ian-async-i2s-fifo-opc-ntd1-salas-sslv-50.html#post3470918

I deeply doubt any Japanese company would make anything sucks  :-0
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