AMB's γ1 Miniature DAC Project

[leo]

There you have it

This little DAC sounds really nice and VERY close to the TC-7520 - Just how close I will report when I have done some comparison tests.
But for now I'll just enjoy a couple of these and some quality listening...

Ken

Thats well neat!

I like the options you get and making it available as two parts

If you think its close to your TC-7520 thats a bonus! close is certainly better than no where near.
It looks to be the ideal portable companion

[sponge]

Thats well neat!

I like the options you get and making it available as two parts

If you think its close to your TC-7520 thats a bonus! close is certainly better than no where near.
It looks to be the ideal portable companion

Thanks Leo - Yes, it is a nice design and has quite useful options too.

I am guessing it wont need much burn-in as the sound doesn't seem to be changing at all. I will have another good listen tonight - It's always a good sign that a piece of equipment is good when you are looking forward to a listening session - And I am

Ken

[sponge]

OK, I have been doing a few comparison tests with my TC-7520 DAC with the following setup:

Squeezebox Classic Coax out -> 7520 Fixed line out -> M³ amp Input 1 -> AKG K701 cans.
vs
Squeezebox Classic Optical out -> γ1 -> M³ amp Input 2 -> AKG K701 cans.

First impression - 7520 has a higher output than the γ1, so volume has to be adjusted to even things up.
Initially, the 7520 had a deeper bass than the γ1, but that has now changed with a few hours on the γ1's clock, and bass is much tighter and is now very close to the 7520.
The mids and highs; well, I can't name a winner, the γ1 to my ears is a match for the Beresford. Clarity, soundstage and instrument location is spot on - Superb.

I have just been listening to some tracks on the computer via foobar2000 + asio4all and USB out into the γ1 and output to the Mini³ amp, and I have been grinning all the time - This little DAC doesn't put a foot wrong - The whole experience is addictive.

For anyone looking for a portable rig to pack with their laptop, you will do a lot worse than a γ1 and a Mini³ with your choice of phones.

Ken

[sponge]

I thought I would make an additional entry following the upgrade of my Beresford TC-7520. The upgrade was to swap the stock PCM1716 DAC chip to the Wolfson WM8716 DAC.

The comparison with the γ1 should be quite interesting now as the γ1 also uses a Wolfson DAC - The WM8501.

I will be using the Squeezebox Classic as source playing FLAC files. Coax out to the TC7520, Optical output to the γ1. Both DAC's are sending their output to my M³ headphone amp. so I can switch between the two. The M³ is driving either K701's or HD600's.

On first listen, there appears to be little to choose between the two DACs but I will do a more critical comparison and report back.

Ken

[leo]

Thats interesting Ken, sounds like the y1 has turned out to be a nice little dac

I've started doing some modifications to a Duet receiver which also uses a WM8501, I'll start a thread soon.

[sponge]

sounds like the y1 has turned out to be a nice little dac

I've started doing some modifications to a Duet receiver which also uses a WM8501, I'll start a thread soon.

I'll look forward to that Leo. Yes indeed the y1 punches well above it's weight. I have been doing some pretty intensive comparison listening, the upshot of which is:
I'll be damned if I can tell any significant difference between the TC-7520 and the y1.

There does appear to be a "Wolfson sound" which to me is spacious, refined and smooth. The sound will not be to everyones tastes maybe - But it suits me fine.

The y1 as a portable rig coupled to a good quality Cmoy for example, playing off a laptop's USB, is quite a combination.

Ken

[leo]

But it suits me fine.



Ken

Thats the important thing mate

BTW that dac chip should be quite suited to driving headphones no probs.
You can't beat it when a diy project gives you satisfying results , I've built loads of stuff now, not all have been successful

[sponge]

Thats the important thing mate

BTW that dac chip should be quite suited to driving headphones no probs.
You can't beat it when a diy project gives you satisfying results , I've built loads of stuff now, not all have been successful

You are spot on there Leo - Nothing quite like the experience of that first listen when you KNOW things are right . And I've been there myself with the "not so successful"

Ken

[sponge]

Just noticed on AMB's site - An enhanced version of the γ1 has been announced - Called the γ1 "full++", it is the same γ1 but with a USB-to-S/PDIF converter. This requires a new case and some hardwired links to the two boards, but the result is pretty nice. See it here:

http://www.amb.org/audio/gamma1/

Ken