Logic800

This one: M350 Universal Compact Mini-ITX Computer Case

My build (from an earlier post): "I built a sort-of CAPS lite comprising: an Intel D525MW motherboard, 4Gb of Intel recommended memory, a 500Gb Seagate hybrid HDD, a Pico 90W PSU, a fanless M350 ITX case, Windows 7 64bit and J.River MC16. Total cost £350, and very pleased with the outcome."

I used a combination of Amazon UK (motherboard, memory, etc.) and Logic Supply (http://www.logicsupply.eu; case and PSU) to source components for my 'CAPs Lite'.

... you're an expert.

Having been in electronics since the early stages of PCBs, I can confidently say that there is nothing wrong with the 'bubbling' on the underside of the PCB - it is just the solder-resist lacquer 'wrinkling' with age, and nothing to do with a failing component. Go on, get it fixed, should be easy for someone in the know given the lack of custom components used. I would have a go if I wasn't in the UK...

I would recommend getting a secondhand Quad 99 pre-amp - very flexible with regard to phono settings, and good sounding too.

John, many thanks, just watched this and apart from Jagger trying to give it too much (... and drugs and ... ) it was the best pre-Xmas present I've even had - oh and it was free!

From a UK perspective I can recommend Logic Supply BV as a company - I used them (and Amazon) to build my 'CAPS Lite'.

Intel® Celeron® M Processor ULV 743 (1M Cache, 1.30 GHz, 800 MHz FSB).

Be wise to check that the processor is powerful enough for your playback requirements. I had a low-voltage Celeron 1.3GHz processor, albeit single core, and had the odd 'pop & crackle' on 16/44.1 FLAC playback. Completely cured with a dual core Atom running at 1.8MHz (see http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f8-general-forum/caps-lite-anyone-10241/#post174123). Also beware fan noise.

I built a sort-of CAPS lite comprising: an Intel D525MW motherboard, 4Gb of Intel recommended memory, a 500Gb Seagate hybrid HDD, a Pico 90W PSU, a fanless M350 ITX case, Windows 7 64bit and J.River MC16. Total cost £350, and very pleased with the outcome.

Whatever you use make sure it is dry (I used kiln-dried silver sand - not certain how well that translates) and I inserted a long thin plastic bag into the stand beforehand to act as a funnel for pouring the sand and also as a moisture barrier, sealing the end when the stand was full. I think the bags came with the stands but it was many years ago...

The higher voltage may give a theoretically better SNR but you run the risk of overloading the input giving rise to distortion, which may be obvious (as you have already heard) or a subtle hardening of the music. Best to use the lower level and just turn the volume control up a little more.

It could be that the XLR input circuitry has a greater overload margin. Have a look at the specifications for the amp.

I don't think this is an impedance matching issue; it is simply one of over-loading the input of the amp, 6V feeding into 1.3V. That is why it sounds OK when the output of the DAC is set to 2V. What is really needed to confirm this is the input overload figures for the amp.