The ProtoDAC TDA1387 X8 is a DIY DAC based on the vintage Philips TDA1387 multibit DAC chip in an eight chip module as pictured below. The chips are configured in parallel with decoupling capacitors and pin 7 capacitors on the underside of the module.
The module is designed as a direct plug in replacement for the famous TDA1541, which is now difficult to obtain. The TDA1541 was a flagship Philips multibit 16 bit DAC in a 28 pin Dual In-line Package (DIP), and is older and more complex. The TDA1387 is a later development multibit DAC with current output, and simplified having only 8 pins.
The TDA1387 is a very interesting 16-bit design and represents the end of the multibit DAC era. It uses continuous calibration of the five most significant bit current sources, so it has 32 current sources and one spare source. Philips multibit DACs are also unique in that they do not use resistors like some other DACs, but instead use active devices to generate the currents.
The ProtoDAC is one of the easiest NOS DAC's to build. The number of components is low and the circuit design is simple since the TDA1387 directly uses I2S from the Raspberry Pi as input and passive I/V is used for the output stage.
Most importantly, the sound quality of the finished DAC is excellent, especially when using premium components.
By: @hifinet (c) 2023
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