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Introduction

Over years I have modified numerous players to get good sound from CDs. While I succeeded to improve the sound I always missed some "naturalness" down to the last detail with CDs. Then I read about non-oversampling DACs which may sound more alive and realistic. Especially the Article by Ryohei Kusunoki discusses the background of non-oversampling topology in great detail.

Searching for simple non-oversampling DAC topologies I found a number of approaches:

     The classical CS8412 - TDA1543 approach by Ryohei Kusunoki

     The TNT Convertus minimalist DAC by Giorgio Pozzoli

     The twenty part Attack DAC by Richard Murdey

     The Adagio DAC based on the CS8412 - TDA1541 by Thorsten Loesch

     A balanced non-oversampling DAC using CS8414 - AD1865 by Yury Gelgor

The Cromlech Non-Oversampling DAC

Some audio enthusiasts think the TDA1543 sounds a little bit rough and others think the TDA1541 sounds too gentle. Concerning the AD1865 DAC many audiophiles state that this DAC is an excellent choice. However,  I settled on the TDA1543 for my own use.

Interfacing the TDA1543 with the Digital Receiver CS8412 is easy unlike with other DAC chips. Of course, the TDA1543 chip may be one of the limiting factors but I am convinced, well integrated this chip is still an excellent sonic choice.

The Cromlech DAC Part 1 : S/PDIF Receiver



The Cromlech DAC Part 2 : DAC, I/V and Filter * or **

Details for the Cromlech DAC PCB 

- Complete Schematic Diagram 1a  (PDF, 20 KB, updated)
- Printed Circuit Board 1a for *  (PDF, 266 KB)
- Printed Circuit Board 1a for **  (PDF, 266 KB)
- Bill of Materials 1a  (PDF, 13 KB, updated)

Details for the Cromlech DAC Battery Supply Unit PCB

- Schematic Diagram 1a  (PDF, 11 KB)
- Printed Circuit Board 1a  (PDF, 128 KB)
- Bill of Materials 1a  (PDF, 12 KB, updated)

Details for the Cromlech DAC

- Cromlech Block Diagram 1a  (PDF, 9 KB)

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