Background

The new SPDIF DAC features the Sabre ES9018K2M DAC using SPDIF optical input instead of USB. It can be used with all devices that outputs a digital optical signal like the Chromecast Audio, CD players, TV's, computers, sound cards (including Hifime DAC's with optical output). The DAC has such a small size due to the compact size of the chips used and because it uses an external power supply (not included). The power can be taken from any USB port, USB phone charger or USB battery pack. You can power both the DAC and the Chromecase Audio device from the Chromecast's USB power supply (with a USB split cable).

 

Sound

The sound from the SPDIF 9018 is very detailed with a great soundstage. The output stage chip, also from Sabre, can drive line level loads (preamps, amplifiers) and most headphones. The chipset has great specs and offer a great sound at this low price. The noise is very low and can be used with also the most sensitive headphones.

 

The sound can be further improved by using a high quality, low noise power supply like a battery pack/USB charger. There is already an ultra low noise regulator with power filtering capacitors conditioning the USB power, so it will perform well with any normal USB charger.

 

Compatibility

It accepts any optical signal up to 192kHz and 16, 24, 32bit. Note that you need a good quality optical cable for higher sample rates.

 

Case

The DAC will be availble both as a bare PCB (just the electronics) and with a case similar to the new Sabre 9018 USB DAC. The case will be ready in late March while the PCB will be ready in beginning of March, so you can optional get it sooner without the case. If you use the bare PCB then make sure not to bend the microUSB cablem as the case is not protecting it.

 

Features

    Input: Digital SPDIF optical signal, accepts all sample rates up to 192kHz, 16, 24 and 32 bit
    Output: Analog audio through 3.5mm connector
    Sabre ES9018k2m DAC chip and SABRE9601 headphone and line out driver
    Requires power from microUSB (not included). Note: It doesn't work as a USB DAC! The microUSB connector is only for power.
    Works and sound great with most headphone (including low impedance IEM and high impedance headphones) and all line level devices (preamps, amplifiers)
    Ultra low noise regulator LP5907 with added noise reducing aluminium solid capacitors (NCC PSF series)
    Optimised 4 layer PCB for greatest performance

Performance

    122dB SNR
    110dB THD+N: 2V rms @ 600 ohm load
    100dB THD+N: 30mW @ 32 ohm load
    No DC blocking capacitors on the output
    Power usage: <80 mA depending on sample rate and volume
    Dimensions:5.5 x 3.5 x 1.8 cm (without cable)
    Weight 30g

Model: S1
 
REVIEWS:
one review moved from reviews:

Admin EDIT: The following review is either for the wrong product or a fake review, as we have not shipped this product yet at the time he wrote the review.
Brian mcgumble, 1 star:
poor quality headphone jack,and poor quality distorted sound. also no volume control
- See more at: http://hifimediy.com/SPDIF-9018-DAC#sthash.sGB8rHr0.dpuf