+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: TDA1541 based DAC

  1. #1
    Join Date: Sep 2018

    Location: London

    Posts: 88
    I'm Howard.

    Default TDA1541 based DAC

    I'm keen to hear one of these in my system. The input is not from CDs but from a Squeezebox. As far as I can see the only way to do it is to buy an Mhdt Labs Orchid. Is that right? Is there any old equipment that I might find second hand that will give me a good taste of what this chip can do? If I have to import a Mhdt DAC from Taiwan I will do, but I'd rather not!

  2. #2
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: Staffordshire, England

    Posts: 37,879
    I'm Martin.

    Default

    You could look for a Sony DAS R1

    http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-DAS-R1.html
    Current Lash Up:

    TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.

  3. #3
    Join Date: Sep 2013

    Location: North Island New Zealand

    Posts: 1,757
    I'm Chris.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandryka View Post
    I'm keen to hear one of these in my system. The input is not from CDs but from a Squeezebox. As far as I can see the only way to do it is to buy an Mhdt Labs Orchid. Is that right? Is there any old equipment that I might find second hand that will give me a good taste of what this chip can do? If I have to import a Mhdt DAC from Taiwan I will do, but I'd rather not!
    The marantz CD50 was / is, a good example of a TDA1541 implementation - available at reasonable cost.
    Another being the marantz CD80 but quite a bit higher in cost.

  4. #4
    Join Date: Apr 2008

    Location: Warrington

    Posts: 3,451
    I'm Neil.

    Default TDA1541 based DAC

    Where are you based?

    I would avoid most TDA1541A players as they just don’t get the most out of the chip. What is around the DAC chip, the I/V stage and the output stage, are of critical importance.

    If you could get one, the Audial AYA 4 would get my vote at Orchid budgets. The new Audial Model S4 is available, but more expensive.
    Mana Acoustics Racks / Bright Star IsoNodes Decoupling >> Allo DigiOne Player >> Pedja Rogic's Audial Model S DAC + Pioneer PL-71 turntable / Vista Audio phono-1 mk II / Denon PCL-5 headshell / Reson Reca >> LFD DLS >> LFD PA2M (SE) >> Royd RR3s.

  5. #5
    Join Date: Nov 2008

    Location: North Down /Northern Ireland/ UK

    Posts: 19,484
    I'm Neil.

    Default

    The Marantz CDA94 DAC is fairly common on eBay, the Sony DASR1 not, and when it is its often over a grand in price. Both are very nice TDA1541 implementations. If you have deeper pockets and would like a CD player as well as DAC, then the Marantz CD7 is worth a look for, but its a collectible so depending on condition could be anywhere between £2000 to £3500 ish.

    So I think the CDA94 is your best bet, for £500 ish.
    Regards Neil

  6. #6
    Join Date: Dec 2010

    Location: Staffordshire

    Posts: 32
    I'm David.

    Default TDA1541 based DAC

    You could give Colin a call at Chevron Audio - he designs and builds DACs using the TD154x chips

    I don’t think he still builds with that chipset anymore but may know a 2nd hand source, or could build you something similar with later super chips like the Sabre ones

    See: http://www.chevronaudio.co.uk/html/paradox_dac.html

    I had one of his Paradox DACs with 16 chips - 8 in parallel on each channel and it sounded fantastic. Colin customised it for several different inputs too

    David

  7. #7
    Join Date: Apr 2008

    Location: Warrington

    Posts: 3,451
    I'm Neil.

    Default

    Get in while you can. Nothing will come close in TDA1541A land, apart from the much more expensive Model S4.

    https://www.audialonline.com/topics/surplus-sales/
    Mana Acoustics Racks / Bright Star IsoNodes Decoupling >> Allo DigiOne Player >> Pedja Rogic's Audial Model S DAC + Pioneer PL-71 turntable / Vista Audio phono-1 mk II / Denon PCL-5 headshell / Reson Reca >> LFD DLS >> LFD PA2M (SE) >> Royd RR3s.

  8. #8
    Join Date: Jun 2015

    Location: London/Durham

    Posts: 6,878
    I'm Lawrence.

    Default

    Isn't the Chevron TDA1543 based though?

    Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

  9. #9
    Join Date: Apr 2008

    Location: Warrington

    Posts: 3,451
    I'm Neil.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Yomanze View Post
    Get in while you can. Nothing will come close in TDA1541A land, apart from the much more expensive Model S4.

    https://www.audialonline.com/topics/surplus-sales/
    Too late, gone, did anyone here snag one?
    Mana Acoustics Racks / Bright Star IsoNodes Decoupling >> Allo DigiOne Player >> Pedja Rogic's Audial Model S DAC + Pioneer PL-71 turntable / Vista Audio phono-1 mk II / Denon PCL-5 headshell / Reson Reca >> LFD DLS >> LFD PA2M (SE) >> Royd RR3s.

+ Reply to Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •