PROJECT IV: PART 3 / Dual DC +-15 / LibreELEC / Toroidal T.+ LM317/337

so, 😉

as said, burnt my Philips BDP9500-powerboard with these fabulous dual DC (+-12V) ->(see post before) but i didn´t give up 😉 and so i tried another way to get my wonderful dual DC 😉 ..

okay, as i have now only straight/normal +12V DC (via another line on the powerboard (have still of course the toroidal Dual AC (18V1 + 18V2, more later)) i thought why don´t buy a single DC to Dual DC-converter !! ? (found it by chance,  didn´t knew its possible)-> 5,50€ Aliexpress-> https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32924044001.html

and so i could test-out again the “benefits” from dual DC..

okay, the dc-dc converter runs a little bit hot (had to screw the poti a little bit up (from 12V to +- 15V)(use a little 5V-fan to cool it) but again, such a nice sound/tune from dual DC (absolutely better channel separation etc., see also post before) (and now with the, for me missing, “push” from the +-15V instead of +-12V before !!) + and this time i used “LibreELEC“->https://libreelec.tv 

because i´ve got the Rasberry Pi Zero 2 earlier, (and wanted to check the usability as a media-center with only 512MB Ram from the Zero 2) and voilá also a nice sound via Pi 4->Skysong XMOS-USB-bridge->I2S->ES9038Q2M; really a little bit “airier” maybe better as with “Volumio” for example (but also a little bit more “distorted”, have to evaluate it more), but absolutely nice, these better dual DC-sound 😉 ..

and because i´m an absolutely dummy/noob concerning electronical things like these whole dual AC/DC.-thing (but made these site also for people with no knowledge in these things 😉 , to learn about it) i also found out by connecting the toroidal 18V1/18V2 to a simple dual AC to dual DC-converter (see post before) that i got a massive voltage drop under load (means: set to +-15V out, dropped under load extremly about 4-5V (to 11V for example), had not such a drop with the single DC-rail/line, discussed it with some friends and yes, absolutely clear, u need some capacitor to “buffer”, like with these ->”regulated LM317 + LM337 power supply board AC-DC” with some 35V/2200uF capacitors for example ! 😉 (as said, totally clear for some electronical-hifi-freaks but not for me till this point); there are a lot of them around, also with greater capacitors, but just to learn about)..this thing cost about 9€ ->https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32570124466.html

(Voltage input-range: Dual AC28V (three lines), Voltage output-range: ±DC1. 25 V to 30 V adjustable.)

good 😉 ,

so, and now we´ve learned:

you have to use/need a regulated power-board behind some toroidal transformer !! 😉 (and some “thermistor” before, another time..)

more to come + greets for now 😉

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W / ESP32-S2 (ESP12K) / Skysong ES9038Q2M

so, 😉

as i unfortunately “burnt” my green SMPCB 1.07 + the power-board from the BDP9500 (schniff ;-( , had not fixed the +12V-0V–12V cables correctly, only “so half-way” 😉 , moved the sabre-board a little bit and voila: a nice grey cloud lifted up here above the power-board 😉 ) (but i ordered a new one (ES9038Q2M), see at the bottom), i´ve meanwhile recognized the arrival from the new Raspberry Pi Zero 2..

has 4 cores @ 1GHZ (instead of 1 core before) (same amount (512MB) ram), some newer Bluetooth (4.2) BLE and cost about 19$->https://buyzero.de/products/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w (u can read a lot about it in the web->https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w/ )

(i still thought to use it as “control” for the LCD1602-display, the relais for the inputs (coax+tos) + “webcontrolled” (see other projects before), but i guess the “boot-times” for the Pi Zero 2 (also for Micro-Python btw.) are too long, so i guess i stick back with the ESP32 but this time i think i use “micro-python” because u can use the same “sketches”/python-scripts on the both platforms (its easier + more interesting for me at present (super easy to flash and work with micro-python on the ESP32 btw.))..

and so i found a newer revision of the ESP32; the ESP32-S2 (ESP-12K)..it has only one but newer core, a little less ram, without bluetooth (was either way too resources-hungry) + has a better usb-support etc..cost only about 5€; is here->https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005001489650877.html

so, and as i either way “burnt” an “old” SMPCB 1.07, i thought this time i buy a

“Skysong” ES9038Q2M with display and poti; 45€ from here->https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32979155509.html

(i wrote about this particular ES9038Q2M-board already here-> http://essabre-90xx-rpi.sfb2.com/?p=2211)

and i think/thought that as they made such a phenomenal XMOS-USB-bridge (“..best xmos-implementation..”)->http://essabre-90xx-rpi.sfb2.com/?p=1040

it could be really an upgrade to the SMPCB 1.07(will report more then about it)..by that these ES9038Q2M-board is DSD512-compatible (didn´t read it somewhere else) + special japanese condensators + u can also use some Apple TV remote (3€) to select the input-channel (I2S,coax,tos) + volume adjustment + select digital filter..

by that, a new “Moodeaudio” is out (7.6)->https://moodeaudio.org/

nothing else new from here, guess i want to buy a new (spare-part) Philips BDP-9500 power-board (for the dual 12V) and will maybe post a python-script for the web-controlled/IR-receiver/LCD1602 for the “ES9038Q2M-Box” in future..

but greets from here and have a nice pre-christmas-time ! 😉

SFB2

PROJECT IV: PART 2 / fast update / benefits from Dual (+12V-0–12V) DC

so, 😉

fast update: as my original plan (using the massive Cyrus-PSX-talema transformer (see posts before) + some AC-DC rectifier for dual-DC)) is now suddenly “obsolete” cause i´ve got no voltage output at the end of the chain (don´t know why at present) i used the power supply for the video-section (+12V-0V–12V) from the BDP9500 and my green ES9038Q2M for finally dual DC power supply..and first impressions ?

1.for the dual DC-thing: absolutely more exact left/right->absolutely better “channel separation” higher S/N i guess too, more “lively”..i knew and read a lot about it, and indeed, it has a great impact of the output (want not to go back to single DC) +

2.the high-class power-supply chain (from the BDP9500): absolutely lower “noise-floor”; everything more “lively/airier”, absolutely higher S/N-ratio (is absolutely clear->if u remove the background-noise, everything will get more in the “foreground” and is more clear + lively)..

i miss a little bit the “attack” which i got more, the more voltage i put in (IMO) and as said, the manufacturer says “..dual 15V (+15V-0V–15V)” and have now only 12V; will look for a way to solve this..

another result from this 2 “optimizations” is an absolute greater “presence” in the mids/vocals (here on Mission-speaker)..by that i´ve got the feel that i have to put the volume on the amplifier a little bit “up”, to get to the “sweet spot”->guess a good alternative could also be to reduce the DAC-volume via the onboard/onchip-volume-control via some poti to 90%-95% (and turn the amplifier up)->had this first checked with the ES9028Q2M some years ago 😉 -> http://essabre-90xx-rpi.sfb2.com/?p=440 and the result was fine..(the disadvantage is maybe a little bit worser SQ (because of the “altering”); have “to balance/check” it out) 

Conclusion: with these 2 “optimizations” you get some really interesting new ways/turns concerning the sound/character !! have now to adopt it in further testing out; dual DC + high quality power supply (+less EMI-noise +such)->to recommend !! 😉

greets for now (+ more to come) !! 😉

Project IV: Part 1 / Philips BDP9500-case + ES9028/38Q2M + USB-bridge + Pi4 + stuff

so, 😉

as i´ve got today an old Philips BDP9500 (couldn´t read any discs (“no disc”) anymore, cheap, Ebay, 18€ !! (incl.shipping)) + also this Dual AC to DC rectifier->http://essabre-90xx-rpi.sfb2.com/?p=2708 i can finally start/begin with some “example”-tutorial how to build your own DIY-DAC !! (main “goal” on this essabre-site 😉 )

it´s only an example/showcase how to eventually do it..(a little story to begin with now):

okay, as this BDP9500 is trés chic 😉 (a really nice “blue”-light at the bottom) + massive, brushed, aluminium case and has this separated, dual power supply (one via some toroidal with 18V1 + 18V2 for audio) and one “power-line” with +12V-0–12V for the video section (+ also with some +5V/GND-lines)(i knew this “hifi-high-end-build-up” from the BDP9700 “Fidelio”(599€)->http://essabre-90xx-rpi.sfb2.com/?p=2576 and thats why i bought this BDP9500), we have now to find a way how to fit the other parts in it (the ES9028/38Q2M-board, the ESP32, AK4113,LCD1602 + oled-display (maybe a Pi 4), usb-bridge etc..)

it is really a long story/tutorial (cause i wanted to post the circuit diagramms from the Parts of the BDP9500 too etc..), a lot to do, and so i will post also a lot of steps (parts(ideas) “in between”)..

Part 1 (today):

as i´m relatively “unsure” if this +12V-0–12V works (from the second power-supply), i will use an old ES9028Q2M (want not to “destroy” some new ES9038Q2M) ->…

more to come …!! 😉

some quick and dirty pics from the DIY-DAC / best sound via Pi4->SkysongXMOS-Bridge->ES9038Q2M (with Burson V5-D)

so, 😉

bought today again some little stuff for the main-goal here on the site->the own “DIY-DAC/network-streamer” 😉 ..

decided to built it with a separate power supply/-unit (like for example these Mission-PSXs combos (have often posted about it)..(to eliminate any electronical interference/-noise)(the original “combos” were only for cleaner/stronger “power”)->

and so, i have ordered some dual voltage AC/DC-converter (rectifier), because the manufacturer always say “..best results with a dual 15V-0-15V power source/supply” (although the chip itself (ES9038Q2M) runs with 3,3V VCC max. (see this Datasheet ES9038Q2M (LINK))..(guess its about the LM78/9X “.fixed linear voltage regulator integrated circuits” (i think they took the fixed 15V-version of it)..

anyway, separated today the transformer/power-supply for the ESP32s,oled-display,AK4113 digital receiver etc. to a separate case (in this case also the massive Cyrus-PSX toroidal-transformer (dual 27V) will find his housing))

(Ebay, AC/DC (max. 36V) to 5V-15V Dual Voltage Converter Board Mini Rectifier Power Supply Module, 6€ ->LINK )

and okay, as “i fired it up” with the Pi4 + Volumio and my other XMOS-bridge (Leaf-audio), got problems in detecting it by the Pi, i used then these absolute wonderful Skysong-XMOS-bridge !! (posted also a lot of it before->http://essabre-90xx-rpi.sfb2.com/?p=1883 ) and got these beautiful tune/sound again !! (and its btw. only with these Skysong-bridge (the Leaf-audio (XMOS too) for example sounds lightyears worser)..

got “dynamic-wise” about minimum 5db 😉 more “frequency-spectrum” then with my Bluray-HDMI-I2S-extraction-combo (and thats almost the best/optimum combo for this transporter/hdmi/i2s things)..

absolutely fantastic !! (as said “the Pi is made for music” + these wonderful “best XMOS-implementation” Skysong-bridge !!) 

that was it for now, more to come, many greets and stay tuned !! 😉

HDMI to I2S (C1) receiver-board arrived / NE5532 vs. AD797 vs. OPA1612

so, 😉

finally today the “HDMI to I2S (RX-“C1”-PS-audio-standard) receiver-board arrived (LINK-Aliexpress, 14€))->works absolutely great/flawlessly with the hdmi to I2S-extraction-board (HDA20012 GLA V5 TX-“C1”)->

it works “so”, without extra 5V-power (the extraction-board delivers the 5V over HDMI (but u can “jumper” it))..

“sound-wise” its a little bit more “flat”/not so “brilliant” in comparison to a direct I2S-connection (absolutely logical), but i guess so only about 2%-difference 😉 )..(and u have one I2S-solder-/”unstability-problem” less !)

by that i´ve got an “OPA1612” a week ago or so, and got now the time to test it out->

NE5532: a lot of body + push, absolutely good overall OP-Amp..(was originally in the “green” SMBCP-ES9038Q2M-board (V1.07)

OPA1612: very clear, very dynamic, very “roomy”, more “body” like the AD797, (but also a little bit “thin” + less “character”)..(coriously today the best from the two (NE5532+AD797) the body/lows from NE5532 and the highs from the AD797)..(“quality-wise” about 10-15% ahead of the NE5532.)

great OP-AMP !! (but maybe with a little less “character”)..

AD797ANZ: absolutely “creamy” + sweet+ 3D-ish (almost “heavenly” 😉 ), but with almost no body/lows..absolutely in the middle/highs and there some “own room/3D/space”, character..(but also a little bit “distorted” in some way)

a lot of “character”, was my favourite OP-AMP so far..

still complicated (to find the right OP-Amp for yourself), right now/today i´m more “on character”.. (i tested a lot of OP-Amps, Bursons, Muses, LME´s,OPA´s (look right in the widget/categories->”OP-Amps“->http://essabre-90xx-rpi.sfb2.com/?cat=13)

(+ in these region/area of very good/high-end OP-Amps its really only about the “timbre/color” of the sound (which u prefer)..the sound/tone/content itself still remains..)..

so, will change the OP-Amp back to the NE5532 to get my “test-setting” back and to work again more “on the chain” (transporter->hdmi->I2S) before..

(PS.: the OPA1612 is still playing here now; absolutely great, super quality + a great dynamic ! (should compare it again to the Burson or Muses or other OPA´s etc.,etc. for example, but not now) 😉 )

many greets for now + much more to come !! 😉

Panasonic DMP BDT 385 / playing finally .dsf/.dff-files / Toroidal transformer – Talema (Cyrus PSX) 27,9V

so, 😉

got today finally a Panasonic DMP BDT 385 (got it cheap from Ebay, 17€, faulty, couldn´t recognize a bluray-disc anymore) to test the DSD-functionality + to compare it with my other Sony + Philips Blurayplayer here..

very nice, detect and play any .dsf/.dff-files which i have on my usb-drive..the Sony only detects Sony-“tagged” .dsfs and the Philips only Philips .dffs 😉 ; the pansonic plays them all + also other “non-tagged”-DSD-files->stupid..

by that, the “quantizing-noise” (and i think thats mainly the “white noise”) is absolutely more less via my hdmi-extraction-board + ES9038Q2M-combo here then via the Sony for example; have to test + evaluate it more..(its still an I2S-connection problem i guess->soldering)

DSD-files are btw. outputted at 88.2/24 via toslink (besides over HDMI of course)->

picture-quality + handling-/usability-wise its a lot more “basic” then with the Sony BDP-7200 for example..thought first why Panasonic have such a good reputation, i felt it too “basic”, but in the end its okay (but its really about your personal taste and overall the Sony is better (for my taste)).

by that i got by chance a really, really, massive (guess 5kg !! or so) Talema toroidal-transformer 220V/2*27,9V..was originally from a Mission Cyrus PSX only power supply expansion (posted a lot of  it before)-> heavy bummer !! 😉

wanted originally some 15V-0-15V toroidal for the chinese ES9038Q2M but will use it as power supply for the DAC and for the rest of things in our “DIY-DAC” !! (esp32s,arduino-display,usb-bridge,AK4113-digital to i2s receiver etc..)

will post a lot more about it, cause that was the “main goal” with this site->ourDIY-DAC !!” 😉

greets or now + much more to come !! 😉

Update HDMI-extractor-Board/box ->(3) different versions HDA20012/15/27

so, 😉

in further “inspecting/investigating” the DSD-I2S-line via this hdmi-extractor a few posts before->http://essabre-90xx-rpi.sfb2.com/?p=2618  i´ve just read in the ps-audio-forum (many thx to “XA777” there !!)->https://forum.psaudio.com/t/it-works-sony-ubp-x1000es-hdmi-audio-output-to-chinese-i2s-adapter-board-to-ds-sr-i2s-input/15630/51 “..I have 2 HDMI/MHL to I2S boxes: the cheaper one from Audiophonics in France;the board inside the box mentions HDA20012 TXC1. Native DSD via I2S works with Cambridge CXU, but the board cannot input native DSD and output DOP64 via COAX or Toslink. With my Musician Pegasus DAC the DSD L/R channels over I2S are swapped compared to PCM over I2S.”->(by that,theres a “mute” possibility)

absolutely the same here..I´ve got the board from audiophonics (guess HDA20012 but in “V5” because i have an option to swap the DSD-L/R via a jumper/soldering)->

thing is also that i didnt got any dop64 over coax..

“The other box is more expensive, costs about EUR 100,–.
the board inside this box mentions HDA20027 TXC1 pro.
Native DSD via I2S works with Cambridge CXU, and there is now DSD sound/audio on coax and toslink. With my Musician Pegasus DAC the PCM and DSD L/R channels over I2S are correct..”

here the new link with the box (+ another board in it->+ heat-spreader+other LEDS) from audiophonics (65€), but i don´t know the exact board/version in it !!>https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/diy-interfaces/digital-interface-hdmi-mhl-to-i2s-coaxial-optical-p-13419.html

okay, then it maybe work with a lot of I2S-DACs (with an I2S/hdmi-i2S-input) but i still got a heavy white noise with our chinese ES9038Q2Ms here..

(PS.: u get often “white noise” if the pure DSD-signal is “altered” in some way; maybe some volume-adjustments for example;->same with “Volumio” for example; if didn´t turn the “volume-mixer” to “off” (no hardware nor software-mixer) i get a heavy “white noise” there too..so i guess my “audiophonics hdmi-extraction-board” (HDA20012) will append something to the DSD-signal/alter it..but don´t know what + how to disable it..(or it has something to do with the “channel-swap”; will post then more about it).

have to evaluate it a bit more, hope this helps a little bit for somebody with similar problems, + greets for now 😉

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