Dear friends, Today, I’m officially sharing a project that I've long dreamed of and developed together with Andrea – a true DIY audio enthusiast from Italy.
Dear friends,
Today, I’m officially sharing a project that I've long dreamed of and developed together with Andrea – a true DIY audio enthusiast from Italy.
This is the DAC-End 24 – a NOS (Non-Oversampling) DAC using the legendary R-2R chip AD1865N-K. The circuit is simple, the sound is raw and natural, easy to pair with various systems – and most importantly, anyone with enough passion can build it themselves.
This is not just a DAC – it’s a complete audio system that combines classic analog techniques with modern digital music trends. A unique, high-performance project that is truly worth the investment for anyone who values real, authentic sound.
1. Why choose the AD1865?
AD1865 is an 18-bit R-2R DAC, non-oversampling, preserving the original “raw” PCM signal.
No modern digital processing, no coloration – just pure, honest sound.
Globally praised by audiophiles: “non-fatiguing – raw yet deep.”
2. Overall Configuration of DAC-End 24
DAC chip: AD1865N or AD1865N-K
Receiver: CS8416 (SPDIF, AES, Toslink)
I/V Converter: Pure resistor type – 200Ω (Caddock MK132)
DAC Power Supply: 3 x LT3042 – dedicated for each section
Signal: PCM 24-bit / 192kHz, operates in NOS mode
Digital Inputs:
SPDIF (RCA)
Toslink (optical)
AES/EBU (XLR)
I2S from Amanero / XMOS (USB)
Direct I2S from Raspberry Pi
Input selection via switch – simple and easy.
3. Integrated Music Server – Classic Meets Modern
By connecting to a Raspberry Pi, the DAC-End 24 becomes a standalone, high-quality music server:
Raspberry Pi running Volumio / Moode / Ropieee
Streams music from NAS, hard drives, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify...
No CD player or external transport needed
Controlled from your phone or tablet
Combines vintage DAC chip + modern digital source = a clean, musical, and emotionally rich digital audio solution – truly worth the investment.
4. Who is this project for?
DIYers who have built DACs and want to step up to R-2R NOS
Audiophiles who love natural, uncolored, and honest sound
Beginners: If you’re patient, I’ll guide you step by step – anyone can do it!
5. What will I share?
✅ Complete schematic diagrams
✅ Full BOM (Bill of Materials) + easy-to-find sources
✅ Soldering tips, layout guidance, I/V tuning instructions
✅ Pairing suggestions for tube amps, preamps, power supplies
✅ Mistakes I’ve made – so you can avoid them
6. Step-by-Step Tutorial Plan
Part 1: DAC-End 24 – The Core DAC Section
Part 2: Tube I/V – The Analog Amplification Stage
Each part will be posted progressively. Follow the group or leave a comment to get notified when a new section is released.
7. Download the instruction file here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ddZYthGHnkepHie7CdmbDZAvAESsJl7B?usp=drive_link
HQ Audio – High-End Audio Equipment | Professional DAC, Amplifier, Headphone in Vietnam
