back to
www.audiodesignguide.com

To get more information contact me at: webmaster@audiodesignguide.com


Cheap hi-end system - version 2
by Andrea Ciuffoli - started in the May 2008 - end in the July 2008


INTRODUCTION

This born to create a cheap and good complete system with hi-end sonic performances superior to many commercial medium and high price systems.
The  first Cheap hi-end system was not enough good for my commitment so I have created this new system and now the final result is impressive also for me.

Some characteristics:

COMPONENTS

photo
(click to enlarge)
description price in euro
LM3875 Dual Mono Kit by www.heao.it with components close to the Gaincard amplifier produced by http://www.sakurasystems.com with a price about $,1500 and review  on this magazine http://www.enjoythemusic.com/Magazine/equipment/999/47review.htm 159
In all my projects I am using a DACT stepper attenuator instead of the normal ALPS or NOBLE solution, but in this case, with a limited budget i have used a blue Alps 50k+50k.
got from
Audiokit webshop
20
4 x Loudspeakers connectors BPF 105
got from Audiokit webshop
14
7 x RJP420 r 421 Chassis Female RCA
got from Audiokit webshop
20
Hi-Fi 2000 2 x chassie GX 383  with internal size 330 x 230 x 80 + 1 x GX 147 for the usb-spdif conv.
got from Audiokit webshop (2 item)
86
4 x Tasker SP60 for the custom analog cable 16
4 x Tasker SP59 for the custom digital cable 16
Solid Anodized Aluminium Knobs DCR AM 40 Black Dxh 40x22
got from Audiokit webshop
 
10
8 x Rubber Foot mm 38 diameter 18 mm height mm 6 holed
g
ot from Audiokit webshop
8
DAC End with a sinlge AD1865, a true hi-end DAC with characteristics similar to the reference AudioNote products.
This is a very good digital source ready for future upgrade to vacuum tube amplifier.

 

600
USB to Spdif converter in Kit/2 only 49$
got from http://www.hagtech.com/hagusb.html
30
Power supply 15A switches (3 items)
got from RS Components
 
RS Stock No. 665-679
Manufacturer APEM
Manufacturers Part No. 641NH/2
10

 

SilverMIca Zero-One by Voodoo Cable custom 2 x 25-35cm 70
Shipping costs of these parts 100

 

The total are:

CD PLAYER or CD TRANSPORT

I have found problems with any CDROM and DVD items, with some CDs there are blocks of the controller or high noise coming from transport.

The unique CD player for Hi-end DIY is the CDPRO2M  from: www.diy-high-end.com

An valid alternative could be any low cost CD Player or DVD Player with spdif output.

DAC

see DAC End webpage

The amplifier will follows the sound of this true hi-end DAC given a top level result.

Probably it is possible reduce the cost of this DAC and get similar sound characteristics using normal Lundahl transformers.

AMPLIFIER

This Gainclone kit give a very good power able to drive many loudspeakers without problems and the sound is very neutral.

It use an ultra fast power supply like the original project.

Photo and measurements

 

I have used in all the measurements the Clio system by Audiomatica with the Transit by M-Audio to use the USB port of my portable pc (instead of the PCI audio board) and with the Audiophile USB by M-Audio to increase resolution and to use my laptop.

Here some test on 8 ohm load at 6w and 29w.

USB TO SPDIF

This USB to Spdif converter has been created using the Kit/2 only 49$ got from http://www.hagtech.com/hagusb.html and a 5v rele' to add an automatic switch of digital sources.