DIY Lampucera DAC

[imaphilistine]

So after looking at other posts, I thought that this would be worthwhile for me to try. I could use another DAC, but I’m not actively looking, and I could use a project, and so here I am. The components just arrived, I got the kit so I’ll be up and running quicker than building out the tube buffer section on my own. After I get it up and running, I’ll start to source other components and figure out which direction I want to go.

I am thinking the transformers are the first things that need to go and will be sourcing good ones sooner than later. Then completely rebuilding the output tube buffer section with components similar what others have done.

At the moment, its in pieces until I start soldering all the connections. I don’t know if I’ll get to tonight, but I’ll keep this post updated whether it works or blows up (look at those high quality transformers) as soon as it happens.

I’m figuring out layout among other things.

[ValentineLuke]

Aw, man. This is awesome.

I’m really looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

Thanks for posting your build log here.

[orrman]

I envy people that can build things on their own. Thanks for sharing the experience with us!

[Polygonhell]

@orrman

I envy people that can build things on their own.

This stuff really isn’t hard, you can pretty easily teach yourself anything you need if you have the motivation, after that it’s just the will to do it.
Just don’t do what I usually do and start small.

[dB_Cooper]

This is going to be a very juicy thread. Based on the images it’s clear that a lot of the improvement comes from the component upgrades. Definitely start with the trnasformers but don’t stop there as it seems there’s a lot of scaling with quality components based on the YT video.

@Polygonhell

Just don’t do what I usually do and start small.

…and always keep a fire extinguisher handy. lol

[Souldriver]

@dB_Cooper

…and always keep a fire extinguisher handy. lol

And a swear jar

[Go-Kart]

Well, I was on the fence about doing this myself, but the fomo from seeing this thread develop will likely tip me over the edge.

Looking forward to hearing your impressions.

[ValentineLuke]

[Gothique]

So interested in this project! Nice! Looking forward to your posts.

[imaphilistine]

@Polygonhell

after that it’s just the will to do it

I was gifted the Schiit coaster set, the one which doubles as a PCB that can be used to make a “vali mini” amp. I’ve been sitting on it for several months with all the parts from mouser still in its shipping box, as I’m not motivated in doing it, but will only do it because the person who gave it to me asked me to.

@dB_Cooper

don’t stop there as it seems there’s a lot of scaling

It will definitely be different from what it is now. I’m still deciding on which direction I’d like to take this. In researching caps from several manufacturers. I found this image from Lampizator, it doesn’t have Mundorf, but they note that Mundorf MLytic HV electrolytes are used in their top models (2016), but not sure if that is still the case.

[imaphilistine]

So I finally got it up an running and got a little bit of listening in as well. Still long way to go for it to be a finished, let alone a roughly usable product. As I consider myself still testing.

So first impressions. It has potential. The op-amp/dac output works and is nothing special. I won’t be using that output other than feeding the tube buffer. All I want to say about it is that it can push out sound and I wouldn’t call it detail or resolution, but it has the elements I’d expect, but lacking sound stage, depth, timbre is a little off, and just overall anemic. Though, I didn’t spend much time with it directly.

The tube buffer output stage is a different story. First, the tubes that were sent with it aren’t well matched so I’ll pick up some new tubes. I do think that there is a lot to work with and I’ve been sourcing some premium components (haven’t pulled any triggers yet) and start swapping out and rebuilding as I go.

The sound seemed to stabilize as I typed this as its probably been up and operational for a little over an hour (it didn’t blow up, lol). With the tube buffer, what I would have initially considered anemic has turned it to having some tonal delicacy, which I am actually think is a very good thing and something I’m looking for. One surprising aspect was that the bass had energy, but I wouldn’t describe it is tight or bloated at the moment, but it was substantial and I can’t wait to see where I can take this aspect, moving forward.

Verdict is still out on so many other aspects, but I do think it is a decent starting platform. As I run it through its paces, I do think that it is very capable. I didn’t invest much into it nor did I expect much, but it is actually surprising and has the potential I was hoping for.

Where this lacks at its current state. The soundstage is non existent (meaning this DAC by comparison to what I had previously, doesn’t contribute to the soundstage). Timbre is off and not quite natural. But the potential is there, and the upgrades I am planning to implement will hopefully be worthwhile additions.

Before you laugh at the blue tape, it is Scotch Blue Platinum and it does sonically improve things. Safety wasn’t a concern, just sonic improvement.

[ValentineLuke]

Very cool to see it up and running, and there appears to be so much upgrade potential as well.

Looking forward to watching the progress of this project.

[Gothique]

Are you going to run the signal through the op-amp or do the classic Lampucera and bypass it straight to the tubes?