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Opus - A Balanced DAC


Now accepting pre-orders for the S/PDIF and USB modules and combos. I am building them now, so please allow a week or so order date before they ship.

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In keeping with our new modular approach to design, the Digital lineup consist of a set of individual modules which can be used in a variety of configurations: together, alone, or with other circuits.

Each module is quite small (3.3" x 2"), which allows for combining several elements in a small footprint, as well as retrofitting into existing designs.

Also, each module includes local Low Drop Out (LDO) voltage regulator(s) for precision control of voltages. This also allows for feeding several modules from a single supply. We recommend feeding each modules from a pre-regulated source, such as our LCDPS, which was designed for this application.

The Digital Modules are as follows:
The Opus DAC Module

Layout    Schematic
Manual (1.0)    Manual (2.0)
The DAC board is based around the Wolfson WM8741 DAC chip. It offers I2S and DSD inputs, stereo balanced output, hardware control of DAC options via jumpers, as well as a header for optional software control. The DAC board can also be configured to allow the WM8740 to operate in dual-mono mode (see datasheet for more information).

Separate analog and digital power sections feature National Semiconductor low-drop out (LDO) regulators.

Power supply electrolytic capacitors are Panasonic FK (SMD version of the FM series), output electrolytics capacitors are Elna SilmikII, and resistors are Susumu 0.1% thin film. All connections are made with Phoenix terminal blocks.
The COD (Current Output DAC) Module

Layout    Schematic
Manual
The COD Module is based on the venerable Burr Brown (Texas Instruments) PCM1794 DAC chip, and like the Opus, offers I2S inputs, stereo balanced outputs, and is user configurable with a set on on-board jumpers (the PCM1794A does not have software mode). It can also be configured for dual-mono mode.

Being a current output DAC (Opus is voltage ouput), this module requires an I/V (current to voltage) stage at it's output. We have included a simple on-board passive I/V stage (392R Dale RN55 0.1% resistor/22uF 35V Elna SilmikII capacitor), which can feed the buffer of your choice (we of course suggest the Ballsie for that role).

In case you want to use an active or other passive I/V stage, the resisors come unmounted, and there are four on-board headers for bypassing the installed output caps. We have two active I/V stages in the works, both with balanced outputs. The first uses the TI THS4131 op-amp, the other is a fully discrete design.
The S/PDIF Receiver Module

Layout    Schematic
Manual (1.0)    Manual (2.0)
The S/PDIF Receiver module is based around the Wolfson 8804 S/PDIF receiver chip.

This module provides a Single-ended S/PDIF input (off-board connector), and an I2S output to feed the DAC module. For those who want TOSLINK optical input, an off-board TORX connector will be available which can feed the S/PDIF input of the receiver board.

Digital power sections (3) feature National Semiconductor low-drop out (LDO) regulators.

Power supply electrolytic capacitors are Panasonic FK (SMD version of the FM series) and resistors are Susumu 0.1% thin film. All connections are made with Phoenix terminal blocks.
The USB Receiver Module

Layout    Schematic
Manual
The USB Receiver module is based around the Texas Instruments PCM2707 USB DAC chip.

We utilize the standardized USB input and I2S output for feeding the Opus DAC board. Since we have room left on the board, the DAC's analog outputs will also be available for use, allowing this module to function as a single-ended, mid-level, standalone DAC as well. Power for the USB module is provided by the USB connector. More details to follow.
The Metronome ASRC Module

Layout    Schematic
Manual
The Metronome module consists of a Texas Instruments SRC4192 Asynchronous Sample Rate Converter chip (ASRC) and a Crystek high-precision oscillator (24.576MHz, 25ppm).

With one I2S input and one I2S output, the fully configurable ASRC allows you to shift the input sample rate to a higher or lower output sample rate. Combined with the precision on board oscillator, the Metronome will practiaclly eliminate digital jitter of the I2S data stream. Configuration is done via the on-board dip switches, or by remote switches using the provided pads.
The Balanced to Single-Ended Converter Module, aka "Ballsie"

Schematic
The Balanced to Single-Ended Converter module is for folks wanting to use the Opus DAC (Balanced ouputs) with their Single-Ended audio gear. Utilizing the LM4562 (Dual) and LME4974 (Quad) op-amps from National Semiconductor, ultra-low noise Susumu 0.1% thin film resistors, Panasonic high-grade PPS film filter capacitors, and sharing the same footprint as the other Opus modules, this module will maintain the superior performance of the Opus DAC, and easily integrate into the Opus "DAC Stack." Inputs are also provided for Dual-Mono DACs, which require load balancing resistors. With an optional filter based on the Wolfson WM4780 datasheet, the "Ballsie" provides outputs for filtered Balanced and Single-Ended use.
The IVY Balanced I/V Kit

Board Bottom    Assembled
Schematic    Manual
IVY is a balanced active I/V line stage with optional filtering and both balanced and single-ended outputs. I/V conversion is performed by a pair of Texas Instruments fully-differantial THS4131 op-amps, and balanced to single-ended conversion by a National Semiconductor LM4562. All op-amps are surface mount (SOIC) and can be pre-installed at no charge upon request.

Panasonic 2.2nF 1% ECQP(Z) polypropylene (MKP) filter capacitors provide an optional low pass filter in the I/V stage. All resistors are (our favorite) IRC RC's (0.1% metal film). Each op-amp has local Panasonic 100uF FM and Wima 0.1uF MKP2 polypropylene decoupling and bypass capacitors. We have also provided spots for 1206/0805 SMD parts for all resistor and filter capacitor positions, so there are lots of customization options.

The IVY modules require a bipolar power supply in the 12-15VDC range, such as out LCBPS.

The LCBPS (Low-Current Bipolar Power Supply)

Layout    Schematic
Assembled
An adjustable split-rail C-L-R-C low-current power supply designed specifically for use with the Ballsie converter module, or any other low-current split-rail application (pre-amps, head amps, etc).

The Dual Supply module shares the same footprint as the other DAC modules (3.3"x2") and sports dual bridge rectifiers, six 470uF Panasonic FM ultra-low ESR capacitors, and fully adjustable LM317/337 voltage regulators.
The LCDPS (Low-Current Dual Power Supply)

Schematic
Newly redesigned to match the Opus module footprint, the LCDPS offers two identical high-performance, very low noise, adjustable output, CLRC low current supplies (1.5A max) on a single board. It is an exceptionally quiet with low-impedance, low-ripple output. Perfect for feeding a group of Opus modules. Like the LCBPS, it has dual bridge rectifiers, six 470uF Panasonic FM ultra-low ESR capacitors, and fully adjustable dual LM317 voltage regulators.
The OTTO 2:1 Switching Module

Layout    Schematic
The OTTO Switching module is a simple 2:1 switch which allows you to connect two I2S input modules (or any other I2S sources) and feed a single Opus DAC (or other I2S consumer). The switch is triggered by connecting the module's V+ terminal to the TR (trigger) terminal, which can be done by a simple switch or by a microcontroller.

I2S switching is only one application of the OTTO, however. The relay (OMRON G6A 4PDT) can switch up to 3A, so, for example, it can easily be used as a 2:1 or 1:2 switch for balanced or single-ended analog signals, or even as a phase reversal switch.
The TOSLINK Optical Input Module

Layout    Schematic
The optical input module converts TOSLINK optical digital to S/PDIF, for feeding to one of our (or someone else's) S/PDIF receivers.

Available as both a kit or assembled module, it comes with an onboard 3.3V regulator and a Toshiba TORX 142LF optical receiver.

Wire connections are +5-12VDC and GND, and a two wire S/PDIF output. The approximately 1" square module is designed to be mounted to the case's rear panel by a single screw.



Ordering Options (Prices include shippingnote)
Opus Module Combos
Opus DAC + S/PDIF Receiver Combo ([1] DAC Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] S/PDIF Receiver Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] LCDPS Kit**) $185.00 USD Out of stock
Opus Dual-Mono DAC + S/PDIF Receiver Combo ([2] DAC Modules (Assembled and Tested), [1] S/PDIF Receiver Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] LCDPS Kit**) $250.00 USD Out of stock
Opus DAC + USB Receiver Combo ([1] DAC Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] USB Receiver Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] LCDPS Kit**) $185.00 USD Out of stock
Opus Dual-Mono DAC + USB Receiver Combo ([2] DAC Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] USB Receiver Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] LCDPS Kit**) $250.00 USD Out of stock
COD Module Combos
COD DAC + S/PDIF Receiver Combo ([1] DAC Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] S/PDIF Receiver Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] LCDPS Kit**) $175.00 USD Out of stock
COD Dual-Mono DAC + S/PDIF Receiver Combo ([2] DAC Modules (Assembled and Tested), [1] S/PDIF Receiver Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] LCDPS Kit**) $230.00 USD Out of stock
COD DAC + USB Receiver Combo ([1] DAC Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] USB Receiver Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] LCDPS Kit**) $175.00 USD Out of stock
COD Dual-Mono DAC + USB Receiver Combo ([2] DAC Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] USB Receiver Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] LCDPS Kit**) $230.00 USD Out of stock
Line Stage Combos
Ballsie Combo ([1] Ballsie Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] Bipolar Supply Module Kit**) $109.00 USD Out of stock
IVY Combo for COD ([1] IVY Kit**, [1] Bipolar Supply Module Kit**) $109.00 USD Out of stock
IVY Combo for Buffalo ([1] IVY Kit**, [1] Bipolar Supply Module Kit**) $109.00 USD Out of stock
IVY Combo for Opus ([1] IVY Kit**, [1] Bipolar Supply Module Kit**) $109.00 USD Out of stock
Individual Modules
Opus DAC Module (Assembled and Tested) $85.00 USD Out of stock
COD DAC Module (Assembled and Tested) $75.00 USD Out of stock
Opus S/PDIF (WM8804) Receiver Module (Assembled and Tested) $75.00 USD Out of stock
Opus USB Receiver Module (Assembled and Tested) $75.00 USD Out of stock
Opus Ballsie Module (Assembled and Tested) $75.00 USD Out of stock
IVY Module Kit for COD** $75.00 USD Out of stock
IVY Module Kit for Buffalo** $75.00 USD Out of stock
IVY Module Kit for Opus** $75.00 USD Out of stock
Metronome ASRC Module with 24.576MHz Crystek (Assembled and Tested) $75.00 USD Out of stock
TOSLINK Optical Input Module Kit $16.00 USD Out of stock
OTTO 2:1 I2S Switch Kit $30.00 USD Out of stock
PCBs
Opus DAC Board (no parts) $14.00 USD Out of stock
COD DAC Board (no parts) $14.00 USD Out of stock
Opus S/PDIF (WM8804) Receiver Board (no parts) $14.00 USD Out of stock
Opus USB Receiver Board (no parts) $14.00 USD Out of stock
Metronome Board (no parts) $14.00 USD Out of stock
Opus Ballsie Board (no parts) $14.00 USD Out of stock
IVY Board (no parts) $14.00 USD Out of stock
OTTO 2:1 I2S Switch Board (no parts) $14.00 USD Out of stock
Transformer
Avel Lindberg Transformer (115V+115V prim. / 15V+15V 15VA sec.) $24.00 USD Out of stock
**Note: "Kit" denotes a bare PCB and all parts required to build a complete module, including mounting hardware.


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