Twisted Pear Audio Opus
The second of our picks comes from Twisted Pear Audio's Opus DAC. Twisted Pear Audio is the collaborative effort of Russ White and Brian Donegan, who are both capable engineers and audio enthusiasts. The benefit of this teaming is that we find a number of kits ranging from volume control, selection controllers, DACs, voltage regulators, and even amplifier modules based upon some of the latest technology and at prices that blow the world of high-end audio wide open.
The Opus is based on Wolfson's WM8741, a differential voltage output DAC that supports up to 24-bit 192KHz resolution (source permitting). Dedicated output stages and power supply kits are available from Twisted Pear, designed from the ground up to compliment the Opus DAC. For those of you wishing to drive into single ended inputs on your preamps or amplifiers, the Ballsie converter/buffer module is the way to go. Total price including the Ballsie modules will range from $200~$350, on par with the price range of Doede's kits mentioned earlier. The Opus is available in a variety of configurations, from a bare PCB to a fully soldered and ready to go kit. There are no components to solder in any of the full kit format options, apart from the input/output terminal blocks depending upon individual configuration requirements.
USB to I2S input modules are also available, although Twisted Pear's design powers the PCM2707 from the USB bus. An asynchronous clock module is available that allows the I2S stream to be re-clocked, thus lowering jitter to aid high fidelity audio reproduction. Another option, rather than using the USB to I2S converter, is to opt for the MUX receiver module. Up to four S/PDIF inputs can be connected while a control switch allows you to select the preferred input. The MUX module is capable of outputting 24-bit PCM in I2S format for those who wish to playback recordings of this resolution.
I decided to use the Doede USB converter and go with a dual differential Opus DAC configuration requiring two PCBs both switched to mono mode supporting stereo left and right respectively. In my case, audio output feeds into a 3A5 dual triode per channel, followed by a Sowter 8650a balanced to a single ended 9:1 ratio output transformer. This is probably not a setup that will appeal to those immersed in the merits of signal to noise ratios and accurate square waves, but it's a solution that sounds very appealing to my less than golden ears.
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kleshodnic - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Uh, just go digital out (TOS/link or HDMI) to a receiver and let ther receiver do the DAC'ing.Want a better DAC? Buy a better receiver. Not only will you get the better DAC, you will get a ton of other great features with a higher end receiver.
All this talk about computer audio is assuming that you would want to come analog out from the computer. WHY?
phusg - Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - link
It would be a lot easier I agree, but AFAIK only really expensive top-end receivers can challenge the analog out you can get from a quality consumer audio card with upgraded opamps, especially when it comes to stereo music. They are also not usually moddable. Can you link to a review of receiver with audiophile quality stereo DAC?pedobosz - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
an interesting place to publish such an article. Have you thought of perhaps submitting to Stereophile or The Absolute Sound ? I'm sure you are just trying to raise the awareness of the PC crowd to the possibilities of great audio, but reading through the other replys, I think you are preaching to the deaf......with the exception of the Martin Logan fellow.jnmfox - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Computers and audio (mostly Home Theater) are my main two hobbies. I agree this article doesn't fit here at anandtech.com. I've never understood the esoteric audio crowd. If you want quality audio information go to audioholics.com or other reputable audio sites.jabber - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
I have to say the article and lengths gone to are way over the top for what in most cases is required.The kits combined with the PC audio side is way esoteric too.
Well intentioned but sledgehammer to crack nut.......
haukionkannel - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Hmmm... When we talk about HiFi nothing is "bit over".For a hifi system this was relative middle range solution. The biggest consern, if you have to find one, is that the speakers will most propably have the biggest effect an the hearing experience. These type of speakers ar not meat to be the most precise in their "room" picture. And I don't say that it's a bad thing! They are good speakers. Some studio monitors would maybe be better for testing the PC as an "Hifi" sound source, because they try not to affect the sound at same way as some High end HiFi speakers, but again it's more of a matter of taste. For example Genelec speakers sound good for Vocal based music. These in here are better in music where accuracy is not so important. So it allso depends on what music you like to listen to. Just like someone above said.
I would like to see how the sound compares between good Hifi cd-player and a PC. With the same music piece and speakers. This set with those tubes can make the sound varmer, that is good for some not so good mp3 files. More accurate monitor speakers and normal amplifier, will most propably reveal the difference between good cd and not so good PC based mp3 more clearly.
Most people who are really interested in HiFi systems spent even more money than in test to their system. The real guestion is that is the PC good enough soundsource for system like that.
jabber - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Yes but real high end hifi is really usually bought by what Top Gear would call 'cocks'. Folks that just see money and how much they spent rather then just enjoying music. $50000 hifi systems geared to playing just 10 specialist audiophile CDs just screams "I've led a sad and lonely life!" to me.Show me a $1000 system surrounded by piles of CDs and LPs, now thats an exciting system!
The readership of this site I would say on the whole would have far more modest hifi setups.
Once you spend so much on a hi-fi you fall into the trap of listening to the equipment rather then the music itself.
Spivonious - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Spending that much time and effort to listen to pop music is just about the silliest thing I've ever heard.At least put something on that will work the equipment, like a Beethoven string quartet, or a Bach choral work.
And you never even touched on the issue of vinyl vs digital. To my ears, vinyl sounds so much more organic than the plasticy sound of CDs, even through a $15,000 tube-driven stereo system.
Rajinder Gill - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Actually, I'm just listening to some Vaughan Williams right now. Just because there's no mention in the article does not mean to say I live without classical pieces.Peace...
Hyperion1400 - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Amen to that. There is no set style of music for audiophiles. I personally enjoy metal and classic punk (bad religion,sex pistols etc.) as well as a mix of classical composers(I have always had a strange love for Beethoven's 9th after watching Neon Genesis Evangelion)Also, will you be doing a review of the X-fi Elite Pro or will you be primarily dealing with external hardware. I know I will most likely be shunned for mentioning such a thing in the same post as (vicariously) declaring myself an audiophile, but I absolutely love mine. Without that card and my Senhiesser HD 650s, I don't think I could listen to my music/games the same way again(no pun intended)