Hi guys, I am a long time lurker on this forum, but this is my first post.
My previous AV gear has been sold a few years back, because it was not compatible with the interior of the new house we had bought, according to my ex. A relationship is about giving and taking, so I did not really mind at the time. Celebrating my newly gained freedom, I am planning to buy some new equipment.
At first, I was planning to buy the NAD T778 receiver, but I suppose I can build something better myself. I do not have a lot of experience with DIY projects, but I hold a BSc in EE. Although professionally, I have shifted towards a more business oriented role over the years.
So, I am planning to:
1. Build a PC that runs JRiver and Dirac Live for Studio MC.
2. Attach the PC to a Okto Research DAC8 pro
3. Attach the DAC to a 7-channel Purifi based power amp. I am not going to pay €5.000,- for the upcoming NAD M28, so I would like to build something myself.
4. Attach the amplifier to KEF R-series speakers and a Arendal 1723 1S subwoofer.
As I understand, the DAC can be configured with a custom output voltage, forgoing the need of an input buffer (for all of the outputs except the subwoofer). The measured output impedance of the DAC is low enough to be attached directly to the amp and the signal path will be cleaner, as I am not interested in adding any 'warm sounding' harmonic distortion through a buffer. If the sound is too flat for my taste, I can always use a curve in Dirac. Are there any disadvantages to this solution that I have overlooked? What would be the appropriate output voltage for the DAC? The DAC can be used to control the master volume right?
It is feasible to power 7 Purifi modules with a single Hypex SMPS3KA400? I am planning to make some L-shaped aluminium brackets, to attach the Purifi modules vertically-oriented to the bottom plate of the enclosure, stacked side by side, over the full length of the back of the enclosure. The input and output wires will run directly to the connectors on the back plate. The power inputs will run towards the front, attached to the SMPS in parallel, which is housed in a shielded sub-enclosure. A separate 12V SMPS will be used to power a few Noctua fans attached to the top plate to draw out the hot air and to make use of the standby capabilities of the Hypex SMPS, so soft start can be used, preferably with a delay relay.
Any comments on my ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Edit: I would like to use these units, not the EVAL board:
https://purifi-audio.com/vare/1et400a-3/
The connector on this board is meant to be attached to another PCB right? Do proper commercial, of the shelf adapters exist to connect all the necessary wires?