My Opus DAC lives :-)

I had been using an SB3 plugged directly into an AKSA 55 for quite a long time thinking that one day I would build a pre-amp. After finding the TPA kits and reading about the WM8741's volume control I realised that I don't need a pre-amp at all, all my inputs are now digital. Given that all my music is 16bit the digital volume control won't be a problem.

I went for the Opus, Mux, Ballsie Lite and LCDPS+LCBPS. Thanks to Russ and Brian for these kits, such neat and tidy PCBs and a very clearly mark set of components. I had only one hiccup where I had missed a joint on a rectifier.

After turning it on and checking some voltages (and a lack of smoke!) I connected it to my old amp and speakers, just to be on the safe side, and SB3 via SPDIF. Music came out straight away. I let this play for an hour or so just to make sure everything was ok.

Now I have it plugged directly into my AKSA and Tannoy Profile 638's. What an improvement! The soundstage widened considerably, vocals became clear and bass became deep and tight. At the moment I am still using the SB3's internal volume control until the Volumite arrives.

I'm already considering the possibility of adding another Opus and going dual mono... any thoughts on that?

Thanks again to Russ and Brian

Sim