Can anyone help? I am looking for Rob Watts' DPA Digital (used to be Deltec Precision Audio).

They used to be in the Cardiff area, but despite searching on numberous sites, I can't find them.

I have a DPA 50s Pre amp/2x50s power amps and a PDM2. The amps and the PDM2 are getting noisy and I started to hear a high pitched whine from the DAC recently. I figure they are in need of servicing, hence the need to find out where Rob Watts - or the engineer who worked for him - Tom.

I am also looking or up to a metre length of Deltec Black Slink interconnect.

Fingers crossed that someone can help,

Brad

Sorry if I am abusing the hospitality of the forum with this post.

This is not gospel, but i was under the impression that DPA (the company) were no more. Wether the individuals who ran it are still around im not sure.

Paul.

Paul,

Thank you for your quick reply. I had a horrible feeling that this might be the case, but I was hoping that there may be a further reincarnation of the company.

I can hope that if nothing else there might be someone in the forum who knows Rob Watt's whereabouts.

I am not sure that anyone else would be able to service the units due to the "specialist" manufacturing processes that Rob used, but I would be happy to be proved wrong.

KR

Brad

Hi,

A company called Chevin Audio may be able to help. I understand they can service Deltec/DPA items. You can find them here. (http://www.chevinaudio.co.uk)

DPA disappeared in the mid 90s but Rob Watts has done some work for Chord. He designed the Chord DAC64. I may have done some work for Sony.

Dean

Rob Watts designed the Chord DAC 64, DPA is defunct (RIP) they did some great digital kit, remember the £6k mega DAC with the gold case. I think DPA went the same way as Pink Triangle and NVA which si unfortuntate.

I've dropped you a mail.

Regarding that 6K DAC, that was the SX1024, which was thoroughly beaten by the SX512, introduced in 1997/8 at a cost of £12,000. I've seen two for sale s/h, and if I ever get enough money I'm getting myself one :D Funnily enough, it wasn't too long after that that DPA went down the tubes - not a very happy story.
Simon

Thank you all,

Now I know... it is a great pity as the DPA gear is/was fantastic. Thank you for the lead to Chevin Audio, Dean, I will give them a call.

Dark lord - I remember Rob letting me hear the 6K DAC you refer to when I was in his workshop picking up my PDM 2 after he had added the Deltran Conversion. It beat the PDM2, (which is something) and he offered to let me swap it for the new DAC giving me the full 2K I paid for it in px, but I just couldn't place my hands on the additional 4K at the time. Such is life!

Simon - I've emailed you.

Once again, thanks for your help guys - I appreciate it.

Brad

Still have a problem?

I was DPA's only Service Engineer.

My name is Tom.

Originally posted by Dark Lord
Rob Watts designed the Chord DAC 64, DPA is defunct (RIP) they did some great digital kit, remember the £6k mega DAC with the gold case. I think DPA went the same way as Pink Triangle and NVA which si unfortuntate.

Deltec/DPA kit was impressive stuff with leading edge (for home audio) digital technology and great sound. It's a terrible shame that they are no longer around, though I'm pleased to hear that Rob Watts has designed for Chord - thanks for that info Dev.

Hi Tom,

I would need help, becouse i have some problems with a dpa component.
Could You help me Please.

Thank You very much for the Answer.

What is your problem, I may have spare parts. My advice will be free.

Currently using a DPA Bigger Bit, with some minor tweaks. It does lots right and very little wrong. SMT very advanced for early 90's. Fussy about transports.

Question fior Tom: my unit has a lot of hard-wiring on the board, and scratched out tracks; any idea what this was about?

Sounds like a Deltec early production model; basically a prototype. The final production version would only tidy up the modifications; nothing new was added.

S/n is A106, which I guess makes it early production at least.

If it comes with glossy case work, has the serial number on the rear as opposed to the base, then you are the proud owner of a Deltec unit. Deltec went bust on May 29th 1992, so your Bigger bit is easily 14 years old.

There are a number of things that can fail namely the Dac 7 IC and Optical devices. Both will cause sound to become scratchy before complete failure.

The other device SAA7350 is not a problem as I have 174 spare IC's. A life times supply.

If you are worried give me your email address and I will give you a summary. All free advice.

Circuit diagrams including the Deltran circuit would be helpful to you?

The DAC is functioning perfectly at the moment, and given what I paid I'm not too worried if it does fall over.

However, it would certainly be useful and interesting to have the circuit diagrams. I'll PM you.

Deltec went bust on May 29th 1992, so your Bigger Bit is easily 14 years old.
Maybe the futures here now ! These Zhaolu's (morning dew) are a good examples,there's a choice of 1852 or 4398 dac boards and an adjustable class AB discrete headphone amplifier.

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=139545

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a276/Suits_Me/Zhaolu23-4-2006085.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a276/Suits_Me/bg_version.jpg

Wowie. All those chips and no fish.

Once apon a time electronics was just a bunch of well placed chips (integrated circuits). However, these days the electronics side is minimal, software side, MAJOR!

PULSE ARRAY was claimed to be a huge breakthrough in sound technology. True! As the software eliminated all forms of noise and distortion which previously hardware failed to do.

The last generation of DPA dacs were PULSE ARRAY. Then there was the Chord 64 which used it. And now Tube Technology claim PULSE ARRAY to be their idea. The common denominator is Rob Watts.

Sadly for PULSE ARRAY, the difference in sound quality was not major enough to see existing DPA dac uses swap to PULSE ARRAY. Not for £425, the upgrade price for Bigger Bits or DX32 Enlightenment Dacs.

The future 6 years ago was Super CD or DVD Audio; 192khz but this like many new things before it, have failed to catch on. So Bigger Bits are just as potent now as they were 14 years ago.

Unless you own an SX512 or PDM 1024 Reference dac.

I have a DPA PDM 2 and I noticed that it has Deltec printed on the back with the serial number labeled on the underside ( # P2 929,007 ). The owner's manual is dated June 25, 1992. It also has a smaller printed label with the 120 volt rating on top of the standard 220 V - since I am using it in Canada - I believe this and another unit came from Hong Kong a few years ago. Could this be a left over since the manual is dated a month after they went under? Just curious!

Also using a Sonic Frontiers Ultra Jitterbug and a large, heavy (50 lbs.) Monarchy Audio DT 40A LD as a transport. Since I am not going to upgrade the audio components - except for a Toshiba HD XA1 HD player which seems to be getting good marks as a cd player - would this unit do a good job? Primarily being used for watching movies but if it can outdo the Monarchy I could reduce the clutter.

Your PDM2 was manufactured at DPA Digital in September 1992, unit number 7, using redundant Deltec cases.

Probably the case work is the glossy powder coat finish, which looks good, but suffered too many rejects, thus the spatter finish took over.

Know nothing of the Jitterbug, but I would imagine that the Deltran modification could be fitted to the DT40. Do you have any technical skills?

According to Rob Watts, the dac does most of the work, the CD just spins the disc.

Your PDM2 may need it's selector switch replacing; the tell tale sign that it is aging is a crackling noise through your speakers. A similar sounding fault could indicate that the optical transmitters are also reaching the end of their life cycle. The switch is cheap and good quality replacements for the optical components can be sourced from Digikey.

As for the Toshiba? The Dac will probably work with it, but just treat it as a suped up CD player. Demo it first before buying and never trust the opinion of salesmen or Audio Reviewers. Your own hearing is much more reliable.

Your PDM2 was manufactured at DPA Digital in September 1992, unit number 7, using redundant Deltec cases.

Thanks for the info about these fine dacs.

Hi,
I had my Deltec Bigger bit mk1 since around '92 would like to do few mods. I'm sure its got a little bit more to offer after few component changes.
Ive changed the main supply caps for ZL's - sounds slightly bigger with less compression, also bit more detailed and retained the descent soundstage.ZL's got a slight nasal quality in upper mid not happy about it prob try blackgates next.
Pana FC sounded crap here very fuzzy upper end with fuzzy soundstage and damped sound yyukk.IMO, they didnt work for me in this dac.

Which of these Schottky's can i use? ( http://www.hificollective.co.uk/components/diodes.html )

Also done class A output bias mod (disconnect pin 6 connect pin 5 to 6 position) on soic ne5534 output, not touched the ne5534 buffer(?) next to Dac chip, tho can i swap this opamp?

Got a 56uf Sanyo SP on c108 vDDD supply cap (temporary) i like the way this mildly opened the sound up, with a dryish musical coherence - more inviting human sound - to my ears anyway, slightly brighter edge, a trade off i can live with - the dac never sounded sharp anyway. would an SEP be any better?

About to replace output opamps with AD829 same Class A output bias mod.
I think theres some mileage in output stage cap replacement, gather the Silmic caps too mellow, after reading many posts, not a sound i want after hearing FC's sounding sat-on. May work well in other hifi components, who knows but not in this one IMO.

Do like the lack of grain in the bigger bit and the way it subtly draws me in, it makes instruments sound interesting (IMO and in my setup) kind of hear how its being played (very much like this aspect) but could do with a touch more dynamic swell and musical coherency.

Clock upgrade?
Which caps/ resistors are related to oscillator operation for a clock replacement?
I'm using this dac with a 1212m soundcard sync-locked,Sounds bit more coherent with that S/Pdiff confusion lessened, dont think the card is using sync-lock to full advantage as it can sound grainless, clean and clear with a sync-locked transport.

Yes i'm a complete amateur, apart from weilding a soldering iron competently i have no experience with electronic theory hence the (basic) questions.

Any help or advice from anyone is gratefully recieved.

Rob Watts designed the Chord DAC 64, DPA is defunct (RIP) they did some great digital kit, remember the £6k mega DAC with the gold case. I think DPA went the same way as Pink Triangle and NVA which si unfortuntate.

You really are a bit ignorant. PT went but now reformed, I never went anywhere including bust, just difficult to find for a while.

Richard (nva)

Whoops just noticed the post I replied to is 3 years old :(

Wow!!!! Thank someone I found this site :-)
I´ve got a Bigger Bit, Ser. No. BE534, and I am just SUCKING up all the information here!!
I had no idea what the Del Tran switch/output was for untill today :-()
A member like DPA SERVICE ain´t half bad to have around.

Thank You ALL, I now have a massive posting count of ONE! here!

All the BEST!
Magnus

I name this thread Lazarus:)

I wonder why they never caught on? I had a DPA Renaissance CD player way back when, and during my home dem periods in blind tests run by my brother, it was way better than a Karik/Numerik combo, then considered to be a very good player.

And at c. £1K vs. £2.5K plus, the choice was easy. Build quality was, erm, suspect however! DPA_SERVICE you may have fettled my machine on the numerous times it went back to base with a headache!

I remember it for a lovely "analogue" sound. Oh, and the ear shattering, high pitched whine when put into standby! ;-)

Duncan

dpa service - are you still able to service / provide spares for DPA items ? - been a few months since this thread was open - also looking for a DPA 200 power amp for bridging ..

Nice DPA pre:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120061057949&fromMakeTrack=true

Hi Tom

I am the owner of a deltec renaissance cd player (and enlightenment DAC 64 version).

The digital display no longer works but it still plays fine - I have given it to a local radio repair guy to fix - should this be straightforward? Do you have any basic advice I should pass on?

Cheers

Paul

Are you sure the LCD no longer works? If the player plays, it's likely no big deal- just a dud or damaged LED backlight.

Hello Tom,

I am sorry to bother you and to jump on the bandwagon of this thread but I am in need of some advice and maybe some help. I have a Deltec DPA50 pre-amp with a non-standard power supply unit that was made for me when the unit was purchased by an electronics engineer. Now the unit is working as far as as I know but I am worried that if it fails I will not be able to use the preamp with my DPA50 power amp. Now the reason for getting in touch with you is to ascertain if you know what voltages/current the preamp requires and if there is any power supply unit that I could buy or modify that would work or can you supply fix or build a power supply for me.

Many thanks,

Ian.

Ian - I have the 50S pre and power amps.

As standard, the offboard psu puts out about +18V & -18 regulated with a common 0v return at about 65mA per rail. There is also raw 24v feed+ return for the muting relay in the pramp. Actual supply voltage is uncritical (providing it's 18v or more) since the preamp has its own +/-15v regs internally.

So don't worry about PSU problems, they can be easily repaired or replaced; drop me a private message if you'd like a pin-out diagram or more info.

(And welcome to Pink Fish!)

Hi Martin,

Firstly many thanks for the quick reply, the welcome and the information regarding the DPA50 preamp power supply voltages and current outputs. I would really like to get a pin-out diagram for the power supply if you would be so kind as to supply me with for no other reason than peace of mind.

Do you have any circuit diagrams for such a power supply that I could make myself as a winter project bearing in mind that I am not an electronics engineer.

Many thanks,

Ian.

Hi Ian - I've sent you a private message since I'm away for a few days.
M.

Hello everyone hope this thread's still alive.
I bought a very badly used DPA renaissance int amp the circuit board says DPA renaissance issue 1. The amp's crackling or sometimes distorting in the right channel, the left channel works perfectly. At first it was occuring at relatively high volumes but now its there at all volumes. Another thing is that the amp has two heat sinks one of them is black and the other is brown is this normal. There's also a hum in the speakers when i touch the volume control, the volume control knob is made of metal.

Can i get circuit diagrams for this amplifier.

Any help would be appreciated

My advice would be to contact Pinkfish member Dcaudio. He is a dab hand at repairing broken Renaissance Integrated Amplifiers. I have supplied him with circuit diagrams and technical details. Have you technical skills? Most of the R-amp is SMD, some 650 components. There was never an issue 2. It was never discontinued, just lost its flavour I guess. Any further problems contact me directly.

My first post on this forum. I have a Deltec little bit and a DPA pdm1 series 2.

Was there ever a Deltran upgrade board available for the the models I own ?


Thanks,

Ashley.

I don't think so, no; there's no onboard clock and so nothing to send to the transport. No space to fit it, either, without drilling some new holes in the case and chopping - about the circuitry...

The Bigger Bits in the half-width case had Deltran output though, as of course did the PDM2.

There was an upgrade for the PDM 1 seres two; upgrading it to a PDM 1 series three. However, you would need to send your dac back to DPA Digital for a rather lengthy modification process. But as DPA Digital no longer exist, that process is impossible.

As for The Little Bit, it was never designed to be upgraded, however, as the chassis was the same as the PDM 1 series two, often I would use a spare board as an upgrade. Sadly, I do not have any spare PDM circuit boards.

If you own a Bigger Bit or The Little Bit series two which occupies the same chassis. I have working Enlightenment Dac DX32 circuit boards which could upgrade the Bigger Bit and Little Bit. I think the Enlightenment a good upgrade, certainly more detailed.

I have the deltran circuit should you wish to add it to your dacs; just needs a little careful planning :)

There was an upgrade for the PDM 1 seres two; upgrading it to a PDM 1 series three. However, you would need to send your dac back to DPA Digital for a rather lengthy modification process. But as DPA Digital no longer exist, that process is impossible.

As for The Little Bit, it was never designed to be upgraded, however, as the chassis was the same as the PDM 1 series two, often I would use a spare board as an upgrade. Sadly, I do not have any spare PDM circuit boards.
If you own a Bigger Bit or The Little Bit series two which occupies the same chassis. I have working Enlightenment Dac DX32 circuit boards which could upgrade the Bigger Bit and Little Bit. I think the Enlightenment a good upgrade, certainly more detailed.

I have the deltran circuit should you wish to add it to your dacs; just needs a little careful planning :)

Thanks.

Hopefully I have a PMD100 digital filter on the way. The PMD100 datasheet has a diagram of how to connect PMD100 to YM3623B. I think changing the filter might be the easier option....:confused:


Cheers,

Ashley.

A most interesting discussion thread!
I have a DPA Little Bit Ser. No. BD 627 - still going very nicely, but from so long ago I can't remember! Series 1 - the very dark green glass case that has no screening merit whatsoever (RF everywhere - TVs beware). Interested to see the availability of Enlightenment boards - if they are really better than what I've got. Quite happy to fit if dimensions / mounting points are same as for present unit.

;) David L

The PMD100 datasheet has a diagram of how to connect PMD100 to YM3623B. I think changing the filter might be the easier option....That's definitely not a drop-in option...you'll need to come up with your own pcb for the HDCD filter, and hack it in between the receiver and dac with quite a lot of fooling -about.

Nice to have the choice though..!

That's definitely not a drop-in option...you'll need to come up with your own pcb for the HDCD filter, and hack it in between the receiver and dac with quite a lot of fooling -about.

Nice to have the choice though..!

PMD100 arrived today (on an Arcam 8SE board).

YM3623 to PMD100 connection is in the PMD100 datasheet (MSB first, right justified)

As for the saa7350 I assume it to be setup for 'Sony format' (MSB first, right justified) . Not sure what the bits would be 16 bits ?

Does anyone have the YM3414 datasheet? (I only have the YM3414)

Any recommendations for pcb software?


Thanks,

Ashley.

After studying the saa7350 datasheet I think interfacing the PMD100 into the little bit will be a little harder! I haven't checked the saa7350 config but I'm assuming it's input is setup 16 or 18bit Sony format with a maximum dataword rate of 4fs!

I'll post a PM that I sent to Tom in here, since I'm not sure if it worked (nothing in my sent box, but no error messages when sending). If anyone else has any suggestions...

"Hi Tom,

I felt it was better to send a PM rather than post in one of the threads about DPA (where are they)?

I've just purchased a 2nd hand DPA PDM 1 Series 3, has a glossy case, and the serial number on a sticker on the back. It's handwritten, so most of it has rubbed off. I'll try and decipher it as best as possible and let you know (if you need it). I've upgraded from a DPA Little Bit II (bought brand new).

I've noticed a couple of things and I'm not sure if they're warning signs on issues with the unit. Firstly, the Little Bit sounds detailed, has a large soundstage, midrange is a bit forward, as are vocals. When putting the PDM 1 Series 3 unit in my system, I've noticed several things:

1. Thinner sound, more orientated to the top end. Some stuff with high treble content sounds unbearably bright. Bass is less than the Little Bit II, but I suspect that that's because it's actually tighter and better controlled. Midrange is recessed, as are the vocals, when compared to the Little Bit II. Some vocals have some slight sibilance as well, which I've never noticed with the Little Bit II unit on ANY recordings that I've played during the long period that I've owned it.

2. The PDM 1 Series 3 unit has more details, and a wider/higher/deeper soundstage. I'm hearing a lot more things than I've ever heard before!

3. Drums sound inferior on the PDM 1 Series 3 unit, they lack the 'slam' that the Little Bit II has.

4. There is a slight crackle when the units are powered on via the rocker switches on the back. Not really an issue as I usually leave them turned on.

5. If the DACs are on, turning the tone controls on and off on my preamp (Audiolab 8000C) introduces a nasty spike through the speakers. This has never been noticed by me before, I don't really use the tone controls to be honest. I was only playing around with it because the PDM 1 Series 3's sound was a bit bass light compared to the Little Bit II.

6. In what I consider very odd, the PDM 1 Series 3 DAC has less rhythm/pace than the Little Bit II, but is still very musical. It just seems a bit slower than the Little Bit II. My foot taps quite happily :)

7. I've noticed on several recordings that I know well, that vocals seem to lack emotion, when compared to the Little Bit II.

Said lady of the house (with very keen hearing) described the sound as thinner and brighter and lacking in bass. She prefers the Little Bit II. I'm wondering a couple of things...

Note: unit sounds better via headphones (Sennheiser HD420 Gold References), some of the issues like midrange/vocals/sibilance disappeared on the same recordings that had issues.

a) Could the AC mains in Australia have anything to do with it? We use 240v 50hz, I know the UK uses 240v, but I'm not sure on the hertz rating. Is this different, and if so, could this create issues. If so, is it easy to fix? I have no technical knowledge/electronics and in all honesty, wouldn't pick it up.

b) The crackling noise when turning the DAC on, or with the tone control on the preamp - is that a sign of possible issues to come? I notice no hiss or crackling from the speakers whilst playing.

c) Interconnects - I'm using the coax cable that came with the Little Bit II to connect to the transport, so I presume that that's OK. I'm using some el cheapo silver plated interconnects to the pre amp, I've never noticed any brightness or issues with them before, could the DPA PDM 1 Series 3 DAC have issues with the brightness of silver interconnects? I have a spare DNM Reson interconnect that I can use if need be. If I remember, DAC 7 DACs were considered to be a bit brighter sounding than the SA7350 chipsets...

d) CD transport - In lieu of my Teac Esoteric P-500 unit malfunctioning, I've been using a Pioneer DV-344 DVD player as the transport (loaned kindly to me by a mate, otherwise I'd have no CD source at all). Could a cheapish DVD player like this not be good enough for the PDM 1 Series 3? Was never any issue with the Little Bit II, so I'd find it odd...

e) Do you have any circuit diagrams/user guides that you could email me/send me? I'm only happy to pay for costs involved etc (would be by Paypal as I don't have a credit card).

f) Upgrades/deltran - what are your thoughts on this? I wouldn't be able to afford any upgrades to the PDM 1 Series 3 (if that's possible) for several months. Also, is deltran'ing a unit really worth it? Does it really make that much of a difference? Are parts still available, and is it that hard to do? To send it to the UK would be dangerous (possibly damaging the transport en route) and costly. I believe Chevin Audio can help here, first I'd have to get the Teac fixed (it's been unused for 4 years, probably a dead laser). I guess, if I could get the deltran parts/instructions, I could get a local electrical engineer to do it for me, in lieu of my skills in the area. That would save a fair bit of money of course in shipping costs.

I paid quite a fair bit of money for the PDM 1 Series 3, and I'd be saddened to have bought a lemon with issues etc. Yes, I know buying units 2nd hand, across the Internet is frought with danger, caveat emptor etc. DPA units seem to be very hard to find, and fetch good prices (I paid 400 pounds 2nd hand for my unit from EBay UK).

Sorry for the long PM, any advice or help would be really appreciated.

Cheers,

Dave

PS I'm keeping the Little Bit II!!! Any advice on leaving it unpowered for long periods? My logic tells me to plug it into power every month or so to have an electrical current running through the unit. "

Three years and this thread is still going:cool:

Three years on and this brand new member is going to push it forward a little more into the future.

I have a DPA T1, an old friend now, which stopped playing while I was out of the room. When I went to see what had happened there was smoke and a disgusting smell of electronics in crisis.

I can safely say that I know nothing about the inner workings of things like this but I took the cover off to see if I could see anything obvious. On the outside of the casing around the power socket was a sticky resinous substance but inside I could see nothing untoward at all. So I carefully cleaned up the case with white spirit and considered my next step.

Turn it on I thought.

Sooooo... I plugged it in to an extension, settled myself a safe distance away and flicked the switch on the extension.

Whooooosh! It was as if the power socket had become an aerosol - it squirted a fine mist of yucky stuff under very high pressure through the edges of the socket and... oh the smell :mad:. I switched off after about one second and saw that more residue had oozed out and was starting to run down the casing. Cleaning time again.

Any advice about this will be hugely appreciated. The small unit attached to the back of the power socket... is this likely to be the power supply? It is definitely where the spray is coming from. If so then maybe I just need to replace it if I can find somebody that has one.

Tom perhaps, if he's still around?

Shiny case - sticker on back - serial number 92120108

Many thanks to anybody kind enough to spare the time to offer some wisdom :)

Something has let go in the PSU/ input, probably a capacitor, and so it should be quite a straightforward repair, not necessarily a unit-killing episode. Any chance of a pic?

If you're anywhere near Bath I'll be happy to take a look if that's any help.

Thanks a lot for replying.

I live at the tip of the Wirral peninsula in Merseyside so not so close, but then again not so far either.

Here are a couple of poor phone pics which I hope will suffice:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/phe/pic1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/phe/pic2.jpg

Ok then - something has let go inside the mains input filter block.

This is good news - it isn't a proprietary part but one of the generics (Corcom, Schaffner etc) so you can simply swap it for a similar pattern part (e.g. from RS, Farnell, CPC or Rapid Electronics - amngst others) or replace with a regular unfiltered IEC input socket, such as your local Maplin might do.

If you don't want to wield a soldering iron yourself it's the kind of small task any TV/Radio repair place can do for you. Also within a reasonable distance (Derbyshire) is Colin Yallop of Chevin Audio (http://www.chevinaudio.co.uk/), who has a lot of experience with Deltec/DPA kit.

Hope you get it fixed :)

Great - I'm a dab hand with a soldering iron if I think I know what I'm supposed to do with it lol, so replacing an identical component should be no problem.

I'll whip it out tomorrow and hopefully there will be some identifying marks so I can track one down from the outlets you suggested.

Thank you very much for your help... you're a star!

tumble

Alternatively, you could just swap it out for a standard chassis mounting IEC socket for a lot less. The mains filter is bog standard, nothing special, if it was so special how is it Watts never fitted in what followed?

Better you use " The Power " RF mains filter, they sell on Ebay for not a lot.

Thank you also DPA_SERVICE - advice much appreciated :)

Great news - replaced filter socket with a standard one and it's all working fine again - so martin clark and DPA_SERVICE... thank you both so much for your help and advice.

tumble

Well done! I hope it brings many more years of enjoyment.

I have a DPA PDM ONE series 2 for sale - check classifieds if interested...

If you are using the DPA T1 as a transport without using the deltran interface eg to another non DPA DAC, you could Trichord Clock the DPA T1. Not so expenisive I did this to my unit with great improvement. My DAC is the MSB Platinum

Cheers

Patrick

Great DPA link:

http://www.acoustica.org.uk/DPA/deltec.html

Thanks Martin ! ;)

Good stuff.

One correction, though: the mech in the Enlightment drive is definitely NOT a Philips. According to Tom, it's a "Yanyion".

As featured in the Goodmans Delta 800. Though the original mechanism for both the Enlightenment and Renaissance CD Players was a Philips, it was a dreadful affair costing $13; reliability 2 weeks after shipment. Though at least 2 still exist.

The final CD Player mechanism was a Teac supplied from Germany by George Brunns (now deceased) German Distributor of DPA.

Most Enlightenment and Renaissance CD Players featured DX Processors, but from 1997 onwards they were FPGA based 24 bit Pulse Array.

The last Enlightenment Drive 24 bit was manufactured 5 weeks ago from spare parts I had left over. June 2007. Who say's DPA is gone?

I can still manufacture the RF Filters versions 2 and 3; cables including a variant of Black 16 speaker cable and in the future a better quality of amplifier.

I also offer a legacy repair function, and always free advice.

Tom, that's really helpful. I'll update the page soon.

(My Enlightenment drive has the cheapy Philips drive in it...so that's three still running!)

In my DPA drive there is one Teac drive. I can check the exact type later.

Checked !

I opened my DPA drive and inside there is Philips CDM 12.1 drive !
I don't know how i came on the idea that inside there is one Teac drive.
Looking for one spare drive, on german ebay one can get new one for 20€.
Thinking about buying two ...

Some Enlightenment Drives/ Renaissance CD players which were returned to DPA for repair had Teac mechanisms fitted. A quick fix you might say. But they are not 24 bit units because they do not have FPGA components.

Good to see you back, Tom.

I have problems with both my Drive and Dac.

I could possibly send the DPA board of the Drive and the DAC over, or alternatively if you could supply the circuit diagrams I could get a local techie to have a look at them.

Bump.

Unusual both dac and drive faulty?

Please give further details via private message and we will try and resolve your problem.

Hi Tom,

As a newbie on this forum, I tried for a long time to find some technical spec. on DPA PDM 1.2. Nothing on french forums and it's a real chance to speak to a DPA's Engineer. I bought it few weeks ago and unfortunately it doesn't work well. The serial number written by hand on the rear side is "PJ14 200V". inside the device, it is written "David BL17 10/06/92". It sounds really oriented in bass and low medium and no treble. After a quick investigation with a digital wave generator (20Hz -> 20kHz, constant peak to peak voltage), I fund that peak to peak voltage of the sinusoidal waveform decreases by 3 between 1000Hz and 20000Hz. It explains why it sounds oriented in bass. Do you encountered such a problem ? Do you have some ideas for more precise investigations ? I try to find the circuit diagrams, do you have it ? Sorry for poor English and hope you'll find an idea to investigate.

Regards,
Papytube.

The Deltec DAC's did have a rolled off response, in fact -3dB at 20K sounds about right.

Send me a private message and all shall be revealed. THe last series of PDM 1 series 2's were PL prefix; these were the most polished; some had coax and optical inputs.

PDM 1 series 1 used the SAA7320; early PDM 1 series 2 used SAA 7321 (times 2) and final versions used SAA7350 devices.

Tom :-)

Hi Tom. Any joy with the pdf's?

Hi Tom,
Hope you received my yesterday private message (because your private mailbox seems to be full) and you had possibility to reach my web album...

Regards,
Papytube.

Hey Tom, thought i'd say a quick hello. You might remember i came to see you a good few years ago and took delivery of quite a bundle of DPA gear. Believe it was 200 series pre, 2x power amps, 200s phono amp, 3 meter pair black slink and some black 16 speaker cable :) Most of it's in the loft now i have to say but i was always fond of the DPA sound. Really liked my Renaissance player until it died, somehow i always had the feeling that it was going to have a relatively short lifespan :)

I recently sold off my 'proper' pre-amp and havent yet decided on a replacement. Dug out the 200s to fill in and surprisingly running single ended between an Esoteric D-70 and ATC 150 ASLs it sounds not bad at all!

Also found a 200s power amp is very good for driving my sennheisers.

Anyway good to see you're still busy on the scene.

Russell

Glad your finding a use for the DPA Russell - keeping it in the loft is criminal! :o

Hey Tom, thought i'd say a quick hello. You might remember i came to see you a good few years ago and took delivery of quite a bundle of DPA gear. Believe it was 200 series pre, 2x power amps, 200s phono amp, 3 meter pair black slink and some black 16 speaker cable :) Most of it's in the loft now i have to say but i was always fond of the DPA sound. Really liked my Renaissance player until it died, somehow i always had the feeling that it was going to have a relatively short lifespan :)

I recently sold off my 'proper' pre-amp and havent yet decided on a replacement. Dug out the 200s to fill in and surprisingly running single ended between an Esoteric D-70 and ATC 150 ASLs it sounds not bad at all!

Also found a 200s power amp is very good for driving my sennheisers.

Anyway good to see you're still busy on the scene.

Russell
Are you the Medical Doctor who was into Ambient Techno? That was dating a very pretty Nutitionist? If so are you still in Manchester?

Regards your CD Player it may be repairable, I have a number of spares one might say.

The loft is no place for DPA; better Ebay as demand is good.

Anyone know who would like to buy a PDM 1024 Reference dac? This was the £6k gold thing that Hifi World raved about. This particular one sounds excellent!

I might - drop me a pm please!

Are you the Medical Doctor who was into Ambient Techno? That was dating a very pretty Nutitionist? If so are you still in Manchester?

Regards your CD Player it may be repairable, I have a number of spares one might say.

The loft is no place for DPA; better Ebay as demand is good.

Anyone know who would like to buy a PDM 1024 Reference dac? This was the £6k gold thing that Hifi World raved about. This particular one sounds excellent!

Yes that's me. The CD player got binned during a house move clear out. Was probably something really trivial gone wrong but thought DPA were long gone. Never mind.
I do keep thinking i should sell the other stuff but i guess i'm quite attached to them really. I've certainly bought and sold a lot of hifi in the meantime.

see classified ads today or send me a PM for details.

Hopefully this thread is the right place to ask the question..

Does anyone know where I can get spares for a DPA T1 transport?

Specifically the bit I need is an orange gear wheel that drives the door open / closed.

The gears are stripped from much use and is seems a shame to bin the unit which has worked well for more than a decade for such a small part.

(I would be looking to buy the spare rather than have it serviced as i live in the Bush in Australia)

Thanks in advance for any help

Al

Hi Al,

IIRC the T1 is based heavily on the Marantz C52, so uses the Philips CDM4 mech/loader and all. So your best bet would be to ask about these (rather more popular) players / seek spares from a Marantz agent / or buy an old CD42/52 to cannibalise.

I used to live in Whyalla and Adelaide before my return to the UK a long time ago. There are a number of Marantz Service Centres located in Australia where you may be able to get the part you require, but they usually overcharge. Alternatively you can buy a working Marantz CD 52 from Ebay UK and use that for spares. Theres one on there now!
The DPA T1 PCB is about 2 inches square all the other electronics belong to the Marantz. I have spare fully built T1 circuit boards and the instructions to modify the Marantz to become a T1. Any queries contact me at beaujolly@msn.com.

My Pinkfish mail box tends to overfill from time to time.

Cheers, Tom

Say, any idea what the PDM 2 dac set in nice condition is worth? I have the original boxes and manual as well. I have not been able to find much info on them as of yet. Down sizing and simplifying my 2 ch./ home theater so I no longer use the dpa set up.

I opened my DPA drive and inside there is Philips CDM 12.1 drive !
I don't know how i came on the idea that inside there is one Teac drive.
Looking for one spare drive, on german ebay one can get new one for 20€.
Thinking about buying two ... ;)

The later Enlightenment transports, as I used to have, had teac non-VRDS drives, but I'm sure Tom will confirm that shortly............

CDM 12 mech?

Strikes me that you own an early Edrive, few exist as most were recalled due to poor reliability.

The next mech to be used was Sony based, which required the chassis to be redesigned to fit it.

Much later a Teac mech was used, mostly for 24 bit Transports and CD Players. These had black fascia and stainless steel chassis and covers.

A number of Teac mechs were used in repairs of older units.

Pink Fish member DCAUDIO can give you good advice regards replacement.

I can supply circuit diagrams etc, but I need an email address.

Tom

Tom
Just came accross this post by chance !
I used to live in Cardiff and came down to your factory which was near Newport I think ?
I bought a DPA "The Power" principally because when listening to my Planar 3 through my Cyrus 2/PSX I used to pick up loads of radio stations through the stylus !
Anyway, plugged in "The Power" to the amps and the radio stations were no more !
Fantastic bit of kit, I am sure predates the likes of Isotek by about 15 yrs. It's a real shame they are not around any more.
Quick question....
Can I wire "The Power" into a standard mains distribution block to provide RF free electricity to my whole system, or do I have to find a separate power for every component ?
Thanks
John

Hello,

It would have been DPA Digital, St. Mellons.

Deltec Precision Audio are to reform and the " Power Filter " you refer to will be available again with the exception that they will be fully redesigned.

The original Deltec filter was a good design. At DPA Digital, Rob Watts simplified it and at a stroke made it more crude, we class these as version two's.

Later he went one stage better and designed version 3 which on analysis proved even worse; but few of these exist.

If you buy a second hand filter, better a Deltec version, it will state Deltec on the case.

Of the new versions, they were purposely designed by two highly skilled Engineers, one very familiar with RF and the other Analogue Electronics.

They will consist of a " single " power, the same as what you have and a " triple " output version called The Power Plus.

We are also trying to obtain a dedicated RF cable, rather than the supposed better PTFE or armoured cables which sell for fancy prices and achieve very little.

Hope this helps?

Tom

Tom
Excellent news that DPA will reform. Any time scale ?
My "The Power" has DPA on the front, but not sure which version it is.
Can I use it with a mains distribution block ??
Thanks
John

I am sure some owners of the Power have used a distribution block as a cost saving measure.

The filter was designed to be used with one component or up to a maximum of 5 amps with more than one.

If you use a distribution block and one filter you run the risk that your system components power isolation will be comprimised, in that each component will introduce interference for another to pick up.

In short it will isolate the equipment from the mains, but not each other.

Tom

Just read this entire thread. A fair achievement in itself.

I have a whole host of the cheaper end gear, some Power(s) a small DAC or two and a Renaissance CD player. Some of this is in need of TLC from an expert (my soldering iron days ceased at college and my shaky hands are no confidence booster).

I'm just off the M4 near Bath - is there an ex Deltec/DPA engineer who can help? As we've moved house twice in one year the missus has got it all in boxes with the aim that while I'm away on a trip one day she'll throw it out. If I can get it repaired I can move it back to its rightful place in the lounge - something I'd very much like to do.

CDG

I'm in central Bath if you want to compare notes - I'm familiar enough with the equipment to at least advise on what's likely to need doing. Drop me a PM if you want to get in touch.

Just read this entire thread. A fair achievement in itself.

I have a whole host of the cheaper end gear, some Power(s) a small DAC or two and a Renaissance CD player. Some of this is in need of TLC from an expert (my soldering iron days ceased at college and my shaky hands are no confidence booster).

I'm just off the M4 near Bath - is there an ex Deltec/DPA engineer who can help? As we've moved house twice in one year the missus has got it all in boxes with the aim that while I'm away on a trip one day she'll throw it out. If I can get it repaired I can move it back to its rightful place in the lounge - something I'd very much like to do.

CDG
They say a second opinion is always worthwhile, so I would allow the Pinko Bodger the opportunity to survey your equipment.

I was the Service Engineer at Deltec/DPA Digital. My product knowledge is extensive. My day job is in Bristol.

Probably be just a simple fault.

Tom

Stumbled accross this thread and registered to share somethng rather special. There is a guy in Sawbridgeworth, Herts running a small audio business who has a number of DPA items in stock, some of which are "new-old" stock. This fellow seemed nice enough and claimed to know Rob Watts personally and that when DPA went bust, he took a large amount of stock off their hands. I have no reason to believe or disbelieve his claims but the Little Bit 2 I bought is PERFECT including box and manual (also perfect) and I've no intention of buying anything else until it breaks!

I'm very sorry but I can't for the life of me remember the name of the company but his address is in "The Maltings" near the train station in Sawbridgeworth. He does however trade on eBay under the name of "fidelityfreak" or something extremely similar so you could send him an eBay message. If you want _mint_ DPA kit, get a hold of this fellow and see if hes got anything left!!

The Little Bit 2 is a very old Dac, discontinued long before the supposed demise of DPA Digital, which did not really happen; a complicated story.

Audiophile Objective is apparently their name. Unless they have Pulse Array Dacs, Enlightenment Pre/Powers, perhaps even a DPA500s Monobloc, the stock they have is quite old. But this is not to say unmusical or for that matter unreliable.

Your Little Bit 2 is housed in a " Bigger Bit " chassis, which is handy as it can be upgraded to a Bigger Bit or Enlightenment Dac DX32. I have spare working boards of both these products.

However, the Little Bit 2 has only one main chip, the SAA7350 of which I have 200 plus spares, so I guess your Dac will last forever.

Tom

Audiophile Objective, that's it. He'd had the Little Bit 2 in stock for several years or at least he told me as much and there was also a sticker on the base of the unit from "Objective Audio" in Harlow - his old premises and trading name which suggests to me that it was a display model. Anyway I wvisited the shop on the advice of a friend and was immediately recommended the Little Bit 2. Obviously I listened, liked it and asked about other kit from the same brand (I simply hadn't heard of DPA at the time) - he showed me a couple of items on the shelves that I might afford such as a Little Bit 3 in a full size case (something about the Middle-Eastern markets perceiving it as better value?!), a bigger bit, a half-size pre/power combo and another (I can't remember how big) pre-amp. He also mentioned having a few special items tucked away but I've no idea what they are. His sole employee claimed he was using the last enlightenment DAC to have been made or pretty close to. Anyway, Im not the person to tell you what he has in stock - if anyone's interested, the number is 01279 724024. Give 'em a call.

By the way, what sort of money are we talking to upgrade the Little Bit 2. Obviously I'm very happy with it already but if the oppurtunity is there, an even better DPA model might be nice.

Stuart

The Little Bit 3 is based on the Yamaha YAC502; a cruder device than the SAA7350. The TLB3 was sold in very large numbers Worldwide.
The benefit of your Little Bit 2 which is a lot rarer, apart from being more polished is that it has the DELTRAN Sync Lock feature. But you need a " Deltraned " CD Player to use it.

The Bigger bit uses a SAA7350 and Dac7, whilst the more up to date Enlightenment Dac DX32 also uses a SAA7350 and a high performance YSF210A Digital filter.

They all sound very different. Depends what you prefer, warm and smooth or clean and bright. For example the Chord 64 is excessively bright where as the Deltec PDM 2 which the Bigger Bit is a relative is rich, smooth, warm and velvety. A striking difference!

I hold the working boards as spares, in case I encounter a problem I cannot fix, but this is rare. Swapping them in or out is easy enough. You can try before you buy. But price? Never given it much thought.
I would say get used to the sound from your TLB2 before any decision to upgrade.

Tom

I have to say I really, really like TLB2. Great at communicating emotion which, for me at least, is 90% of what music is about. Obviously one can always wish for a touch less grain and maybe a bit more "grunt". I'm not in any sort of rush to splash out on an upgrade - I'm expecting delivery of an NVA AP20 intergrated amplifier on Monday so no more Hi-Fi spending for a few months!

The amp is the final piece in a puzzle actually - it replaces a NVA pre/Rotel Power that gave up on me (the Rotel that is) just as TLB2 replaces an Arcam Alpha 7 (a desperately inferior product). Also a few days ago, I looked on a local advertising board only to find a nice pair of Mission 764i floorstanders for £30. Apparantly they retailed for just shy of a grand when new! When the amp arrives I'm going to have to decide whether to keep these new Missions or to keep my trusty Rogers LS6. It's a decision I'm going to enjy making :)

Just out interest, Tom, what DPA equipment do you use in your own system?

PS - What's this about a DPA revival?

Hello!

I have the chance to get a close to mint, boxed, DPA Deltec Little Bit 3 for 130 Euro (approximately 85 GBP). But I read this comment by Tom:

The Little Bit 3 is based on the Yamaha YAC502; a cruder device than the SAA7350. The TLB3 was sold in very large numbers Worldwide.

<snip>

Tom

I wonder if it is a good buy or I will end just with a nice-looking box :confused:

Thanks for your help!

JOSE

At £85 a mint condition TLB3 is a bargain.

Should you not like it, you should not make a loss on reselling it.

Tom

PS Whatever the colour of the casework, the PCB is the same.

Hello Tom,

At £85 a mint condition TLB3 is a bargain.

Should you not like it, you should not make a loss on reselling it.

Tom

PS Whatever the colour of the casework, the PCB is the same.

Thanks a lot for answering my query and doing it so fast :) !

This TLB 3 is an all black case.

Well, good thing is that I can pick it up locally, so will save on shipping costs... I am a newcomer to HI-FI so I guess it will be a good addition to my setup which currently is composed of:


Philips CDC-775 CD player (with S/PDIF output: I would use it for the Little Bit)
Kenwood K-6040 tuner
Yamaha C-45 preamp
Yamaha MX-50 power amp
AR Labs Mini Reference


I know it is a low budget setup, but it sounds fine so far :)

Do you think the Little Bit 3 will improve the CD sound?

Thanks and best regards,

JOSE

Oops, I did not use the current ratio... 130 Euro is about 103 GBP at current exchange rate. Sorry for the error!!!

Is it still a good enough price?

Regards,

JOSE

TLB3's sold for £350 when new.

The final version case work was black fronts with silver envelopes so yours is a late version, but as I said the electronics never changed.

A unit you would be completely satisfied with would be the Enlightenment Dac DX32 which vary in price from £190 to £300 subject to demand. They sell for less in Germany.

The Edac offers the Deltran facility which makes a significant difference to a " deltraned " player. The TLB3 does not offer this feature.

The TLB3 is an entry level high end dac better than more costly rivals.

Tom

Hello Tom,

TLB3's sold for £350 when new.

The final version case work was black fronts with silver envelopes so yours is a late version, but as I said the electronics never changed.

A unit you would be completely satisfied with would be the Enlightenment Dac DX32 which vary in price from £190 to £300 subject to demand. They sell for less in Germany.

The Edac offers the Deltran facility which makes a significant difference to a " deltraned " player. The TLB3 does not offer this feature.

The TLB3 is an entry level high end dac better than more costly rivals.

Tom

OK, thanks for the info.

Well, my question is: if I use a NON-deltraned player, as my Philips CDC-775 or my Pioneer PD-104 with the TLB3, would it make a reasonable difference to justify the 130 Euro cost?. Because I am sure a DX-32 will be better but if not deltraned perhaps difference is not so big and I can save some money by now.

Sorry for so many questions!

Regards,

JOSE

Hello!

I have an small update... I finally got the DPA Little Bit 3 for 110 Euro (about 87.40 GBP) :D:D

It is really mint, with the original carton, plastic bag, instructions and cables. I have talked with the seller (a very nice person) for some time and he has told me he bought it about 1996 in UK, used it for two years and then stored the unit... until today :) !

I will take some pictures later.

Regards and thanks for your help!

JOSE

Thats a good price. I am sure you will enjoy it, I used to have a LB1 and it was a great dac.

Well the TLB3 will make a difference, but the more detailed your system the more noticeable the difference.

When you look inside the dac as I am sure you will, you will realise the true design skills of Rob Watts.

If you ever need a spare for the YAC502 drop me a line as my supplies are plentiful, you just pay the postage.

Tom
beaujolly@msn.com

I've removed a post that was potentially libellous, please could folk read the AUP.

Tony.

Regarding the above poster by the name of Tom (Tom Whelan)
I asked Tom Whelan to repair a DPA 1024DAC. It was never returned. I asked a solicitor to help me but as I am located in Tokyo is not easy to retrieve.

Is this the dac I sent you in September 1999, that you sent back to me a little while later?

Even though I was no longer an employee of your company and therefore under no obligation to do anything?

When you froze the company bank account in April 1999 you rendered the company dead in the water and as a direct result of that I went without pay for 4 months. Starvation and dedication to the job make poor bed fellows.

Watts regarded you as a madman, as do I. But you were also the Managing Director of what was DPA Digital.

WTF ???

Zombie thread rises from the dead for a private pissing contest! Excellent ... where's my popcorn.

I think I'd listen to Tom on this one . . . . .

yeh my money is on the guys with the track record of great customer service and developing ground breaking designs.

Not some invisible management numpty