New Tube DAC/AMP for the Raspberry Pi

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Michael Kelly, Sep 13, 2017.

  1. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Pi 2 Design has announced a follow up to the innovative 503HTA tube hat. The 502HTA (ok, not the most exciting name) is a full size shield that offers the same single tube grounded triode with Class-A Fet buffer. But they have reworked the design for much lower noise while the new layout makes it easier to put into an enclosure. In fact they are offering it with a beautiful clear acrylic case. The 502HTA offers the same ability as the 503HTA with line in for non-DAC applications as well as use selectable gain and output impedance. There is also a standalone version without the Raspberry Pi interface or the PCM5102A 24-Bit DAC.

    See the details including User Manual with full measurements at:

    http://www.pi2design.com/502hta.html

    Cheers,
    Michael
     
  2. HumanFly

    HumanFly Acquaintance

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    Hi again!
    Looks like this produces some heat.
    Can it be implemented in a closed case scenario? (without a fan and in a small(ish)case)
    Figuring out a better way to wake up. Tubes may be it :) I wonder if it will be the first alarmclock with tubes.
    Also of great interest to me is what this thingy would cost?

    And since I am firing questions at you anyway:
    Why are there no good DAB+ HATs for the raspberry? (my alarmclock would seriously kick-ass with one of those)
    This would be an awesome add-on for raspberries if Volumio/Rune/Moode/Roon supported it.
    So far I can only find solutions that don`t make life any easier. (They need a screen attached .or leave no room for a DAC etc)
    /end rant

    edit:
    Just noticed it does not have the huge heatsink the 503 has.
     
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2017
  3. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    In the acrylic case we did for it there is no appreciable heat coming off. But, without a case the heatsinks are very hot to the touch. The cost in the Kickstarter campaign will be around $129 for the DAC version and $109 for the stand alone version. And no, you can't change the stand alone version into a DAC version. too many small parts would needed to be soldered on!

    As for DAB+, USB dongle seems the way to go:



    Cheers,
    Michael
     
  4. HumanFly

    HumanFly Acquaintance

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    So it runs a little hot but some ventilation holes will do the trick. Cewl!
    But no pre-kickstarter sales? Any ideas about releasedates?

    And I found that dongle. But I see a lot of software problems in my future if I want to run that.
    That is why there should be a rune/volumio/roon compliant HAT. IMHO.
    But I`ve already let it go. Turns out DAB around here is also horrible(just like FM).
    So I`ll stick to internet radio and avoid a lot of frust.
     
    Last edited: Sep 16, 2017
  5. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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