Tda 1543/1541

[poppachubby]

Hey Gang, I just wanted to take a minute to tell the world about this fantastic DAC. In electronics, anything that's more than 5 minutes old is considered outdated, and often, inferior. Obviously, we know this isn't always the case, as is proven by this fantastic little chip.



It's simplicity overshadows its ability, and people often overlook it. DIY types know better, and love working with it for this reason.

I came upon this DAC out of necessity. Quite simply, I couldn't afford the Grant Tube dac-09 and needed an alternative. A friend of mine has the Valab 8 x TDA 1541 NOS, and suggested the single TDA 1543 version. It was available on Ebay for $100, which was great. My first thought was that it was cheap, as in poorly put together with shoddy parts. That was my first mistake...



The 1541 and 1543 are close cousins, but I'll speak about the 1543 as that's what I own. The TDA 1543 is a dual 16 bit DAC designed by Phillips in the 80's. It's original design had "economy" in mind, small and simple in build. This turned out to be its appeal for DIY types. It requires no external components or circuitry. As a result of appearing cheap or lo-fi, it has been and continues to be overlooked by many.

I think alot of people have a hard time accepting that something in a basic package can perform at a high level. This dac proves them all wrong.

There were a number of CDP's made with the 1541/1543. Some are still legendary in audiophile circles, including the Arcam Alpha 5 and the Mission PCM 7000. I almost bought a Mission recently for this reason.



The sound that this dac produces is clear, accurate and about as warm as a digital signal can get. It's truly the chip for the analog lover, but essentially for anyone with discriminating ears.

Many look past it because it's "only" 16 bits. The fact of the matter is, particularily in NOS mode, this dac can compete with any. The NOS adds a realm of realism that almost can't be described, it must be heard. I think alot of people don't understand that even though they may be promised 24 bit, doesn't mean that they will be getting it. What they might get is a dac that can read 24-bit, but cannot output the true resolution. What a backwards process that is!!

Anyhow, lots has been written on these dac's. I wanted to write down a few things to maybe benefit anyone who hasn't heard this mighty chip. Quite simply, I can't listen to anything without it. I recently took it out of the chain and was rudely awakened to a harsh, bright disaster. Freddie Hubbard was unlistenable.

I'm happy to have found my sound...

[audio amateur]

Pictures?

[JoeE SP9]

I didn't know there were new DAC's built with NOS 1541/43 chips.Years ago when I had a Philips CD player it definately sounded better then the Sony and Toshiba players I also had. I believe at one time Audio Note UK was using them in at least one of their DAC's. That alone should tell you something.

[poppachubby]

Joe, did you feel sorry for me and my lone post? Hahaha.

You're quite right, AN made one of the first DACs with the 1543. The 1541A is out of production. 1543 is still going strong. Scott Nixon has a fantastic dac using it. It looks like I may end up scoring a Mission PCM 7000 which uses the TDA 1541 and one of Phillips best laser heads. The Arcam Alpha 5 is just out of my range...

[blackraven]

Great to hear you like it Pops! Your putting together quite the budget system. I wish I could hear it. You should keep an eye out for used Van Alstine gear like a tube preamp. He just came out with new models and people are dumping their old VA gear and putting orders in for the new stuff. A tube pre would go great with that Golden Tube amp.

[poppachubby]

Ya thanks Raven. Things ARE sounding great as the caps are breaking in, the Golden Tube is sounding better and better. I was thinking about the SEP-1 to keep it all GTA, we'll see. Right now I'm looking at a pretty significant upgrade of my TT to an Ariston RD 11s w/ Pioneer 41 arm.

Since getting the tube amp, I've been playing CD's alot more. Really took that cool edge off them.

[audio amateur]

Pictures?

Let me reiterate: may we have pics of the DAC in your setup?

[audio amateur]

Right now I'm looking at a pretty significant upgrade of my TT to an Ariston RD 11s w/ Pioneer 41 arm.

Nice! I hope that works out, and if it does I'm looking forward!
As far as CDPs go, you should check out used Cambridge Audios from early 2000, they shouldn't be too expensive.

[Feanor]

Yes, TDA1543 has a good reputation and is all the rage among NOS (non-oversampling) DAC builders. Often four or more 1543s are using in parallel to boost voltage and thereby replace an opamp for current-to-voltage (I/V) conversion. For those who understand ICs better than me, HERE is the datasheet.

In your typical NOS DAC from eBay, etc., the TDA1543 is often paired with a DIR9001 "receiver" chip. The 1543 requires I²S input and the 9001 provides the conversion, splitting the input S/PDIF signal into separate data (I²S) and clock signals. The DIR9001 is touted as being very low jitter; datasheet HERE.

[poppachubby]

Nice! I hope that works out, and if it does I'm looking forward!
As far as CDPs go, you should check out used Cambridge Audios from early 2000, they shouldn't be too expensive.

Funny you mention that, I have picked up a Cambridge Audio D300. I am in talks with a guy selling a Mission PCM 7000. Aside from it's great internal tech, it has variable volume control on its remote. I'll get a couple of pics of my DAC, it's not the most impressive looking thing in the world.

Hey Bill, mine is paired with the dir9001. Remarkable output, I use a 0.5M optical cable and haven't experienced anything even remotely close to jitter.

[audio amateur]

Funny you mention that, I have picked up a Cambridge Audio D300. I am in talks with a guy selling a Mission PCM 7000. .

That thing is years old. Don't you wanna get something a little more recent? What's happening to the Yammie you have?

[poppachubby]

I'm listening to the Yammie right now. What's wrong with a bit of age? The Mission contains one of the best laser heads Phillips ever made, and of course, the TDA 1541. There are some very well built players from that time, unlike the models that were to follow. Manufacturers built them like tanks, a practice they would soon change. I wouldn't buy just any old player. As I already said, the Alpha 5 still sells for $300 - $500 bucks! But the Mission is around $100. The only issue I can see with buying a CDP so old, is the inherent risk of failure due to age. I'll roll the dice.

For you Tony, the TDA 1543 would be a great departure from your current dac. Remember, I've owned a Fubar. Check out this little unit, same as the one I have. Remember, its size and build are due to its simplicity. This thing sounds fantastic, a giant killer perhaps? Guess it depends on what you like...

http://cgi.ebay.ca/TDA1543-NON-OVERS...item4cedc382d5

[audio amateur]

Looks good. My only issue is that I really want a USB input to a DAC. My Fubar is doing just fine right now

[poppachubby]

Looks good. My only issue is that I really want a USB input to a DAC. My Fubar is doing just fine right now

There are simple and affordable adaptors for USB/Toslink.

[poppachubby]

Here's my little 1543 hard at work...







I also added a super tough power supply for it, with a 14 AWG cord and grounded brick.

[audio amateur]

So it's for the computer system?

[poppachubby]

So it's for the computer system?

Indeed. I didn't even want a CDP in the main system originally. I've loosened up a bit. I may eventually hook into the main system, who knows. I think when I eventually get the Grant Tube dac-09, I will link them together. The comp is running into my HK 630 Twin, not too shabby.

It appears that I'll be getting that Mission CDP, which I'm super stoked about. He accepted my offer of $120 shipped.

http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/detai...s_tda1541_dacs

The Golden Tube has really changed my opinion of CD's, making them VERY listenable. I would say lately I have been about 50/50 between my vinyl and CD's.

[audio amateur]

Nice. CD is good Tony!

BTW, you're never on msn

[poppachubby]

Nice. CD is good Tony!

BTW, you're never on msn

I'm on now.

[audio amateur]

Im on now

[poppachubby]

My friend has been on high alert for a CDP that contains these chips. He frequents the thrifts. Imagine my joy when he called me today, having found one.

I paid $6.00 for a fully functional Magnavox CDB-482. It uses a single TDA 1541 and has the famed Phillips CDM4/19 transport. Apparently the error correction is remarkable. I've read online from guys who claim to be able to pick up and wobble their Mission players with no problem during playback. I've replaced the removable cord with a proper AR Pro Series II.

I'm listening to a Verve remaster of Stan Getz and Bob Brookmeyer...it sounds fantastic. Sincerely this thing digs deep into the music and brings it out. It's nice to actually have an edge with a vintage piece of gear.

Anyhow, I'm sure that some of you are scratching your heads, "is this guy for real?!?" Well I got one thing to say...

"Who's your vintage CDP daddy beeyatch?!?"

[poppachubby]

For those who think I'm certifiable, here's a link to Audiogon. These are real people BTW...

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr...gtl&1246409740

[audio amateur]

Anyhow, I'm sure that some of you are scratching your heads, "is this guy for real?!?"

Magnavox? Are you for real?!

Well I got one thing to say... "Who's your vintage CDP daddy beeyatch?!?"

loool!

[02audionoob]

I'm sitting here playing CDs in my Music Hall/PS Audio combo and humbled by poppachubby's $6 greatness.

[poppachubby]

I'm sitting here playing CDs in my Music Hall/PS Audio combo and humbled by poppachubby's $6 greatness.

Believe it fellaz, I damn near had a seizure when it started playing. My brain was having issues computing the great music, cheap price and sheer joy...