Quote Originally Posted by Opti-cal View Post
Hi Alan, yes I did do some research before purchase, with strict implementation people seem to have pretty good results with it. I'm wondering if the 1545 would have been the better sounding unit (probably). Obviously a 1541 would have been even nicer but a lot more work to build properly. As you're likely in the know about these things is it worth stacking some more 1543 chips (more strain on transformers I'm guessing?) or indeed changing for a 1543A/T version. I've read it does require some modifications.

I do love the C3M output stage though, would there be any merit in replacing the digital section for a relatively low cost upgrade? There are some 'decent' R2R designs floating about now I see and this seems to have a good chassis for some fettling.

Any ideas?

In a comparison with the SGD1 (impeccable measurements) the added distortion certainly doesn't get in the way of the enjoyment of the music, which is the most important thing to me.
I was wondering about the adding chips thing as I think a lot of the TDA1543 DACs I've seen have 4/8 (or even 16?) chips in them.

The other thing I've wondered is, are these still made by Phillips or are there Chinese "replicas" being made to supply the new found demand for such old chips? As I can't believe there are NOS mountains of all the chip types sitting around waiting for someone to decide if they are good again.