Should I build a ProtoDAC?

[Guido57]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186679360015
I'm sure one could build an equivalent board, probably for less but I did not price out the components. I was also curious about boards available on Ebay and decided to take the chance. Seems to hold a solid 5V when adjusted.

[Guido57]

FWIW I completed my regulated linear power supply project to power my Pi/ProtoDAC combination.  Subjectively, with this PS the ProtoDAC is in the same league as the Modius.  I would be surprised if this wouldn't help other I2S DACs on the Pi.  Cost for PS board was about $20, add five more for cables and jacks.

That's good to hear. Which PS board are you using, if you don't mind me asking?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186679360015

I'm sure one could build an equivalent board, probably for less but I did not price out the components. I was also curious about boards available on Ebay and decided to take the chance. Seems to hold a solid 5V when adjusted.

[hifinet]

Thanks for the info. Below is the same one on Ali. It's an LM317 based regulator board, which is high output current capable (although I don't see it in the specs). The pass transistor 2SA1943 is rated at 15A. The voltage drop to 5V (from the input caps) times the current will be the power dissipation in watts, and will determine the need for a heatsink on the pass transistor. I like that the pass transistor is insulated, so you can just attach it with thermal paste to the chassis. It's a very beefy linear regulated supply. An LM317 alone can provide 1.5A, and can easily supply ProtoDAC alone, which uses less than 30mA. If you have other HATs or are also powering the RPi, you may need the higher current capability that the A1943 PS provides.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804285491663.html