In this Video Martin shares his DiY Dac Build based on the Gabster TD1 and Ian Canada and describes the sound of the Gabster TD1
*** Martin's Original message *****
Now one of my requirement was that the streamer/DAC needed to be in one enclosure, fit in my stereo rack and be visually pleasing. I set up to find and purchase the largest amp enclosure for parts that would fit my rack. An old Harmon Kardon for $20 fit the bill nicely. I strip the old amp down to the enclosure and used it for my project.

The project parts are as follows:
-computer: RPI 4B
-power: three toroidal transformers feeding linear pi/UcConditioner for 5v, +5v/0/-5v and 3.2v UcPure ultra capacitors. One IFI psu feeding 15v.
Others: StationPiPro, ReceiverPiPro, MonitorPiPro, FifoPiQ7, SC-Pure clocks, I2S/PCM board and Gabster TD1.

As in life one as to compromise in order to meet requirements. Space quickly became a problem. Therefore feeding the TD1 15v with anything else but the IFI psu was impossible. This was not much of a concern as I put priority on the FIFO clocks to have the most stable power using ultra capacitors. I paid particular attention to reduce noise by shielding the RPI, the toroidal and the AC wires. I took advantage of an unused linearPi CTRL Output to feed a mechanical relay linked to the IFI psu and an independent power switch. This set up allows to power off all the boards from the flip of a switch.

The sound:
Well first let’s say that I compared from my last set up of Ian Canada ES9038 dual mono dac/OPA861 output board. I also compared with an Arres Danafrips DAC. There is certainly a clear improvement on all aspects. The sound is very natural and feels effortless. It is well balanced across the hole spectrum with a wide soundstage and great instrument separation. The detail retrieval is vivid where in certain recordings I can now hear the singer smallest voice tremors and breathing. Same for wind instruments where I can hear the air flowing through the instrument. The decay is quite good. Electric guitar harmonics and distortion are present and real. Drums are what live drums should sound like. The hit of the drum skin is heard followed by the case reverberation and decay. Very nice. Now for the real test. My usual go to instruments to pay attention to are piano, standup base and voices. If a system can reproduce those well you are in for a treat. This DAC does very well reproducing those sounds which are usually rarely done right.

All in all I can sum up this way. The description above is not unheard of from great systems. We all read it before in magazines and reviews from expensive systems. Yes true but let’s keep in mind that this is not an expensive system. This is an affordable and fun learning project where one can achieve amazing results. This said the lasting impression that remains with me cannot be described in audiophile lingo. For me, the sound is impressive but it is really about how it makes me feel. Although the TD1 detail retrieval and clarity is impressive it manages to maintain a relax presentation. To me it feels like when you walk into a room and the space makes you feel welcomed, relaxed and at ease. It feels like coming back from a long away trip and finally sit in your favorite room, put your legs up and enjoy finally be back home. That feeling is what this DAC gives me. That sense of natural, everything in its place, ease and comfort. This DAC feels like it belongs in my room.

Martin

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What is the Gabster TD1 Dac ?    • Gabster TD1 Dac My Favorite of all times  
Where can I buy the Gabster TD1 Dac Kit? https://gabster.ca/Gabster-TD1/
Where Can I buy IanCanada parts? https://iancanada.ca/

Where can I get support with IanCanada parts? See the manuals, Post on the forum below or contact Ian.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/th...

Where Can I get support for the Gabster TD1 dac ? Checkout all the videos under the Gabster TD1 Dac Playlist, and Check out Gabster TD1 on https://gabster.ca/ specially the User Guide and troubleshooting pages
If you give up message Gaby