Perfect sound for funny money: DAC on the basis of "Raspberries"

Love lossless-music? So, you should consider quality equipment, which starts with a quality digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This article will be discussed on the most affordable and high-quality high-end solutions based on the beloved odnoplatnika.

The increasing popularity gains lossless-music. Unfortunately, to enjoy playing at the maximum, a high-quality recording is not enough. And if the majority of music lovers are trying to get a good amplifier and speakers, the transmitter of the digital stream into sound waves rarely think. And for good reason. Most commercially available relatively cheap combined solutions, including sound, are not always able to decode high quality digital to analog for transmission to the amplifier.

For the construction of high-quality audio section of the mainstream components you should consider purchasing a separate high-quality digital-to-analog converter (DAC). In the market there are many wide variety of options with a wide range of prices. Many people recommend the DAC from well-known companies that produce solutions for audiophiles. This is an excellent choice, but you can find no worse, and most importantly, much cheaper.

Where to look for cheap and cheerful? Most budget (not inferior to many solutions to the cost of an order of magnitude higher) options, surprisingly, did not appear in the depths audiogigantov. Several young startups produce audiophile DAC on the basis of the well-known micro-computer Raspberry Pi.

Audiophonics I-Sabre DAC

Device represents a cost for the add-Rapsberry Pi A + / B + the player or based on them (revision 2.0 or higher). The connection is made on the I2S interface, so that the main ports remain free. It is also possible to connect on-the GPIO interface.

In addition, Audiophonics I-Sabre DAC equipped with its own frame synchronizer and power connector for 5 V. Thus, it can be used not only in conjunction with the "Malinka", but also other control boards.

At the heart of the board - DAC ES9023 SABRE. One of the best and most popular chips for decoding. Such a solution allows to decode the audio stream up to 24-bit / 192 kHz derived from carrier board. Output analog audio stream is carried on a pair of gold-plated RCA-connectors.

can purchase device manufacturer's website for 43 euros.

HiFiBerry DAC +

Device from a reputable company HiFiBerry configured like Audiophonics I-Sabre DAC, but it is based DAC from Burr-Brown. The difference rather cosmetic, an amateur: both stereo stream intended for decoding 24-bit / 192 kHz. But HiFiBerry DAC + is available in several versions: ultrabudgetary DAC + Light with two outs RCA without built-in volume controls and its own firmware, DAC + Standard RCA and DAC + Standard Phone have, respectively, a pair of RCA, or a 3.5 mm jack and able to adjust the volume, as well DAC + Pro type has plated predecessor connectors.

cost of devices ranges from $ 25 for the basic version to $ 45 for a top-end.

And HiFiBerry Digi Digi +

Option for lovers of all-digital sound from the developers HiFiBerry. This board has no analog output, but has the optical (TOSlink) and S / PDIF. The maximum quality of the process stream is the same as in the preceding embodiment: 24-bit / 192 kHz. In addition, it supports DTS (but only if the used software can identify the device).

But if the option of Audiophonics can be used with a variety of odnoplatnikami, it only works with Digi Rapsberry Pi. Moreover, there are two different versions: Digi and digi +. The first is designed for conversion boards revisions A and B, the second - exclusively for B +.

Buy both versions can have producer. Also, the developers offer a more advanced version with a synchronizer, which enthusiasts can read on the website. Simple version will cost $ 25 and $ 35, respectively, the version with the timing - of 45 and 40 dollars.

Lucid Labs Rapsberry Pi DAC

Perhaps the most interesting variant. First of all, at the expense of power, quite frankly, for growth. The maximum of device quality decoded audio stream Liquid Labs - 32-bit / 384 kHz achieved due PCM5102A chip from Texas Instruments.

This works only with the DAC Rapsberry Pi B + latest revisions and outputs the sound of two ordinary RCA, called "tulip" in common parlance. Thus the cost of the device reaches $ 40.

Unfortunately, such solutions can not completely replace the expensive high-end components for demanding audiophiles. Looking for high-quality, shielded housing, good wiring and power supply units with low noise. If there is - a matter of taste. Most lovers of quality music described embodiments will be more than enough.