Tank's latest DIY setup

[TankPopper]

Thank you all for your kind words. Let's move on - My analog source.

About 7 years ago my dad gave me his old turntable, and everything sort of went downhill from there. I DIY’ed my first turntable about 5 years ago, based on a Lenco L75, during my Industrial design degree. Ever since that first Lenco, I built about 10 different turntables, all based on the Lenco platform.

I built my current turntable about 2 years ago, and it really is the culmination of all the knowledge I gathered on the subject throughout the years.

The plint was made from 2 38mm layers of bamboo, CNC’ed into shape.

The new top plate is 3mm stainless steel and separated between the platter and motor the prevent vibration.

The pivot is reinforced from the bottom with an additional 3mm stainless steel plate.

The motor was refurbished, the ball bearing was replaced with a ceramic one and the idler was replaced as well.

 

[TankPopper]

At first, all my turntables were fitted with a Rega tonearm, which I felt was a very good match and a great bang for buck arm. But soon, just like with any other component, I felt the urge to build something of my own.

The initial inspiration for my 3d printed tonearm came from the Schroeder, the first magnetic suspension tonearm made. I was instantly intrigued by the mechanism, its simplicity and most of all - its 3D printing compatibility. The arm itself is super simple, with no actual bearing but rather a string that holds the arm from the top, and a pair of Neodymium magnets placed only millimeters from each other to keep constant tension on the string.

Over the past 2 years, I made numerous versions and variations of my design. I made a bunch of test prints before I even mounted one, but from the very first note, it was clear that this is something else.

Since then, more and more changes were implemented. I added VTA, Azimuth, anti-skating, weight control, and even a removable headshell.

 

[TankPopper]

When I decided to build a phono stage I opted for simplicity above all else - Jfets.
While very uncharacteristic of me, being the only non tube component in my system, the CrystalFet kit from RJM audio was exactly what I was looking for. Super simple, minimum components, easy to build and great reputation.

That doesn't mean I did go all out though… I swapped out the output caps for Mundorf supreme and placed it in separate enclosures - one for the power supply and one for the signal path.

The result? perfect.

Next up - My Digital source.
Tank out.

 

[CLB3]

That is one SWEET setup! I am drooling over the speakers. Would love to hear a pair.

 

[Tim 700]

Wow, beautiful and one of a kind set up and unique sound.

 

[TankPopper]

My digital Source.

The last part of my system I worked on was my digital source. Up until recently, my HTPC was connected to an old EAD DSP 7000, and building a DAC felt like too complex of a project.
But i kept reading on it, slowly building up my courage, and a few months ago i finally felt ready for such a project.

From the first moment, I knew I had no interest in Hi-Rez. I would rather build a killer RED BOOK DAC than compromise on a more “state of the art” device that will be capable of playing audio files that I don't actually own.

And just like that, I came across the holy grail (in my book) of DAC boards - an AUDIO NOTE DAC PCB, straight from their DAC 5 (albeit an older model). This checked all the boxes for me - AD1865 R2R, NOS and NOT a scratch build. I couldn't pass this opportunity, so I got it.

Once here, and after a few hours of studying the board itself, It went into its new enclosure. To handle the input I added my trusty I2S over USB board from JLsounds, with its dedicated linear power supply. For the output, I built a simple tube line stage with a single ecc82 for each channel (same circuit as my preamp actually).

A total of 4 transformers and 5 power supplies were needed, and one huge metal enclosure that once housed a PA amp.

Now, I'm not really sure how, but this thing worked right off the bat! And the result? The best digital source I heard. Connected to my NUC, this DAC is smooth, Musical and dynamic, a perfect match for the rest of my system. It still requires some work, such as I/V transformers (which I have but I am too lazy to implement), but I'm as happy as can be with the current result.

Thank you!
Tank out.

 

[hugo454]

Tank's alot for the insight to such a labor of love.

 

[asilker]

DIY DACs frighten me a little but because I still understand so little about da conversion. It's so cool that you assembled that yourself. I would love to hear an Audio Note board. My Audio GD is in the mail, but these things seem to inflame curiosity instead of quell it...

 

[TankPopper]

DIY DACs frighten me a little but because I still understand so little about da conversion. It's so cool that you assembled that yourself. I would love to hear an Audio Note board. My Audio GD is in the mail, but these things seem to inflame curiosity instead of quell it...

I'm with you... I still don't really understand how DA works, and it was more of an assembly job than anything else... But remember - there's more to a DAC than just the DA part.. you have the PS and the analogue output, and they are much easier to play around with!

That's why I waited for a good, ready made board for the DA part, and did the rest by myself.

 

[asilker]

I'm with you... I still don't really understand how DA works, and it was more of an assembly job than anything else... But remember - there's more to a DAC than just the DA part.. you have the PS and the analogue output, and they are much easier to play around with!

That's why I waited for a good, ready made board for the DA part, and did the rest by myself.

I hear that.

Pretty sure my next DIY project will be centered around learning how to make better PSU's.

 

[E-Stat]

As you might have noticed by now, my listening space is far from ideal, and the decision to go with OB made my life much easier, as they seem to blend right in.

Nice attention to your system detail! Just wondering why you chose to orient the system with lots of open space for the left speaker and up against the wall for the right?

 

[SPL db]

Very nice write up and nice system!

 

[TankPopper]

Nice attention to your system detail! Just wondering why you chose to orient the system with lots of open space for the left speaker and up against the wall for the right?

Hey E-Stat, Its just the constraints of the room. the sofa in front of my setup cannot be moved to the left anymore, If I move the system it will be offset to the sofa and create a very weird looking living room, and that won't fly with the management (who suffered enough as it is).

but just out of sheer curiosity - I will try to move it today just hear what changes!

 

[E-Stat]

and create a very weird looking living room, and that won't fly with the management (who suffered enough as it is).

Working with the management can be difficult at times.

Suggest the modern look of asymmetry!