Tag:

AK4490

Wee DAC

W-DAC 4490 – Very high performance compact DAC

by nihtila November 5, 2019

written by nihtila

Very high performance
- THD+N ratio: -108 dB (1 kHz -5 dBFS)
- THD ratio: -115 dB (1 kHz, -10 dBFS)
- Dynamic range / SNR: 119 dBA
- Crosstalk: -125 dB, 10 kHz
- Comprehensive measurement data available
Unbalanced RCA, 2 V output level
- Balanced addon available
I2S input, supports up to 32 bits and 768 kHz sample rate
5 digital filters selectable with jumper links
AK4490EQ DAC, LM4562 opamps
Compact size at 70 mm x 50 mm
Can be used with any compatible I2S source or in Wee DAC system
Wee DAC ecosystem offers numerous compatible boards
- Balanced XLR addon
- S/PDIF input boards (Coax, Toslink, AES/EBU)
- Baseboards with or without power supply
Assembled boards available

November 5, 2019 0 comment

Audio Theory

DAC digital filters part 2 – deeper dive into AK4490 and AK4493 filters

by nihtila October 18, 2019

written by nihtila

This post delves into digital filters in AK4490 and AK4493 DACs used in W-DAC boards and provides extensive measurement results of the filters in time and frequency domain. This is not only relevant to these specific DAC chips and filters but general information on DAC digital filters from audio perspective. This is a practical approach – no poles, zeros, or formulas but lots of plots.

October 18, 2019 10 comments

Wee DAC update 5 – almost there!

by nihtila August 19, 2019

written by nihtila

Progress has been slow due to other things in life but last few weeks have been busy on finalising everything. More measurements have been done and PCBs are finalised. First batch of boards is in production and should be available in September.

August 19, 2019 5 comments

Development Wee DAC

Wee DAC update 4 – v1.1 boards

by nihtila May 11, 2019

written by nihtila

Measurements on slightly larger v1.1 boards:

Superb performance using the best configuration, peaking at -112 dB to -114 dB THD+N
Excellent performance using cheaper components
Lots of changes on PCBs

May 11, 2019 7 comments

Development Wee DAC

Wee DAC update 3 – New LDO and AK4493 tests, and new boards designed

by nihtila April 13, 2019

written by nihtila

Follow-up on AK4490 test board measurements

Comparing cheap LDOs to superb LT3042
- LP2992 shows excellent performance
AK4493 vs. AK4490
- Even better performance
- Almost pin compatible
New v1.1 boards in production
- Slightly larger but still ‘wee’
- Supports AK4490 and AK4493, and different LDOs
- Possibly two or three assembly versions with different price and performance

April 13, 2019 16 comments

Development Wee DAC

Wee DAC update 2 – Improving AK4490 performance on test board

by nihtila February 10, 2019

written by nihtila

Measurements and experiments carried out on a more spacious AK4490 test board

Better understanding on improving AK4490 performance
Encouraging results regarding Wee DAC performance goals
- Massive boost of 10-15 dB in THD+N at low frequencies
- THD+N at 1 kHz measured beyond -110 dB on test board
- Does not mean Wee DAC will achieve these though
Modifications will increase BOM cost so need to consider the benefits and find a good compromise

February 10, 2019 7 comments