W-DAC v2 – Very High Performance Compact Audio DA-Converter

• Excellent performance, typical:
  • THD+N ratio: -116 dB (997 Hz -1 dBFS)
  • THD ratio: -122 dB (997 Hz, -1 dBFS)
  • Dynamic range / SNR: 121 dBA
  • Crosstalk: < -120 dB, 10 kHz
• Unbalanced RCA output, 2 V output level
  • Also ‘pseudo-differential’ XLR can be used (see W-DAC v2 guide)
• Balanced symmetrical XLR addon available (sold separately)
• AK4493SEQ DAC, LM4562 opamps, LT3042 regulators, thin film resistors and C0G capacitors in audio path
• Compact 70 mm x 50 mm 4-layer PCB
• PCM up to 32 bits and 768 kHz sample rate
• I2C version supports DSD up to DSD512
• Selectable digital filter
• Hardware output mute via relay
• I2C version supports one-step relay attenuation (-8dB) for improved dynamic range in preamplifier applications

Requires following supplies (indicated max current):

• 5V for digital (35 mA HW version, 70 mA I2C version)
• +/-15V (40/35 mA) for opamps; can be lower down to +/-12V
• 6V for DAC references and analog supplies (40 mA)
  • This can also be taken from +15V (connecting outside the board or soldering ferrite beads or 0R on board; this increases VP current to 75mA)
• All supplies provided via one 6-pin Molex Micro-Fit

Features

Common features for both HW and I2C variant:

• Identical performance
• Hardware output mute
  • Automatic supply monitoring reduces loud pops at start-up and power-down when connected directly to power amplifier
  • External mute input can be used to engage mute from external source (e.g. from DAR 18 S/PDIF receiver)
• Support for XLR addon, see photo below

W-DAC v2 with XLR addon.

HW-variant features

• Easy to use, no microcontroller needed
• Digital filter selection with jumper link

I2C-variant features

• Needs I2C host, for example microcontroller
• Digital filter and all other settings done via registers
• DSD support
• Attenuation relay for one-step relay attenuation (-8dB) for improved performance in preamplifier applications when used together with on-chip digital volume control
• We do not provide a control firmware but there are example writes in W-DAC v2 guide

Important information on order

• All SMD components are soldered down and the board is fully tested, connectors and headers are soldered if selected.
• Please ensure you have the skills to solder the remaining components and wires to connect the board in your system – and most of all understand what you are doing. Especially pay attention you have the correct power supplies and signal levels.
• Be careful with supply polarity and level, incorrect connections may damage the board and/or your power supply.
• If you need help prior to purchase, please contact us.

Order contents

List of what is included in the order.

HW-version:

• Fully tested board with all SMD components populated
• Dual RCA connector
• 6-pin Molex power connector
• 2×5 male pinheader + one jumper link for digital filter selection

By default, connectors and headers are delivered unsoldered.

I2C-version:

• Fully tested board with all SMD components populated
• Dual RCA connector
• 6-pin Molex power connector
• 2x 0R resistors for changing I2C address
• 1×3 male header for I2C (not shown in the photo)

More information

For more information on using the board, see W-DAC v2 guide. There is also a post on how to connect DAR 18 and W-DAC.

For measurement results and version history, see the tab above.

Files

• Schematics
• Component placement top (including board dimensions)
• Component placement bottom