Pooh said:
You assume it needs improving ? A $2 DAC today for example is a very competent
performer. Decent op-amps are 'two a penny'. Where is the realistic improvement
to be made ? You can put in 'high-end' op-amps for sure but I challenge anyone to
measure any difference compared to relatively run-of-the-mill devices.
Well, too small SMD output capacitors are one, muting switches might be
another (though I doubt the latter - are they even still in use?)
However many low end players have DACs integrated into the chipset and I wouldn't
expect the best of these. You'll get a separate DAC by buying the more expensive
model as well as the 'features' that actually cost next to nil to implement.
Well, the price is set by marketing, not by manufacturing cost. I bought
a very decent satellite receiver package (DVB tuner, LNB, dish, 25
meters of coax, two scart cables, plugs, huge colorful retail box) for
69 euro. In Iraq, something similar is sold at less than 50. The usual
price here is more like 110 euro, even if one shops around. Similarly
price in the US seems to be from around 120 us$. Quite some differences
for what is quite the same down to the CPU/SOC used.
I know for sure that replacing the X caps isn't going to help it one tiny bit,
nor will exotic PSU reservoir caps.
I definitely agree on that.
If you were to present me with a CD player with 'poor bass' and a schematic. I
doubt that it would take more than a couple of hours to find a scientific
explanation for it.
Like my keychain MP3 player. Works fine connected to speakers, but
connected to headphones bass is lacking.
Incidentally, good pcb layout is a factor in getting good sound and boutique
parts will not help that one jot.
Indeed the keychain player is also hissing... which could be impossible
to solve.
I guess it depends on the value of your time, and whether one enjoys
doing this.
Thomas
