Purely sonically, transformer coupled output has more calm presentation, with more quiet background, and somewhat more precise soundstage. On the other hand, transformers can lack some definition at the most bottom end. Still, possible benefits and shortcomings depend also on the environment.
Transformer coupling pros and cons (in a nutshell) Read More »
Audial Model A uses cermet potentiometer as premium part. The reason is simple: cermet is sonically clearly superior to any other potentiometer type. Cermet potentiometers are still however relatively unknown, so more information follows.
Cermet potentiometers Read More »
Model A uses the low impedance shunt potentiometer. This article brings more details about this ultimate volume control.
Model A volume control Read More »
Asynchronous USB Audio Class 2.0, galvanic isolation, two oscillators, and reclocked simultaneous data output. With U.FL output connectors it would be adequate companion to AYA II 2014 or DS board, and of course the great possibility to connect PC to Model S MkIII.
Asynchronous USB to simultaneous data converter board, interest check Read More »
The Model A shipped in 2015 can output up to 10 A current.
Model A, one year later: Power Read More »
Model A now sports copper plated copper binding posts. Here is why.
Model A, one year later: Binding posts Read More »
Everything related to AYA II 2014 DIY edition building, parts and possible tweaks can be asked, discussed or shared at this page.
AYA II 2014 DIY edition talks Read More »
According to the common wisdom, the relation between the amplifier power and its sound quality may look like the relation of equivalence. “The more the better.” The truth is, the best sound quality is associated with certain working points, which also implies certain power. Insisting on (often redundant) power, actually can and does compromise the sonic properties.
Sweet spot of amplifier power Read More »
A sum up of more than decade of designing and living with chip based power amplifiers.
Designing the ultimate monolithic amplifier Read More »
The first Audial amplifier release is near, and here is the preliminary information.
Introducing the Model A Read More »
Harmonic distortion is one of the basic and most common ways to objectify sound quality of audio device. Yet, there is no consensus on its audibility. Here are several examples of distorted sinewave, to help your own understanding.
Sound of harmonic distortion Read More »
During the previous seven years Audial released six DACs, which established it as a “DAC specialist”. It happened that way, because one decade ago the digital source was generally the most misunderstood and most missing part of the audio chain. And in many ways, Audial DACs moved the limits of digital sources. And now the time for Audial amplifier has come.
Gainclone, where has it gone? Read More »
The OPA861 based output stage for TDA1541A, as used in the AYA II DAC, was posted here one month ago and, according to feedback, authentic and ambitious DIY spirit is still around. So I am reposting now one old article that was once available at pedjarogic.com.
Balanced DAC I2S interface project Read More »
Are bits still just bits? Actually, notable part of improvements achieved in the digital audio in last two decades happened due to designing for higher signal integrity criteria. So not that much for instance in the area of converter chips, which were during this time developed mostly to lower production costs. As a result, even if Philips D/A chips from 80’s are in many areas still unsurpassed, today it would be unimaginable for any serious design to repeat the layout or clocking schemes as they were done in Philips CD players from 80’s (or in the majority of players from that time, for that matter).
Data and signal: are we progressing? Read More »
A couple of most important points on mains transformers differences. Some of these probably counteract to what you have learnt on this topic before but, as one fellow audio enthusiast wrote in the early days of the internet (when internet was young and pure), “most things we could learn about hi-fi were simply wrong anyway”. Food for thought.
PSU transformers: EI vs. toroidal, and more Read More »
