K & K Audio Extreme RAKK Mark III Assembly Manual

RAKK dac

K&K Audio

RAKK dac

Mark III

Raleigh Audio

Extreme RAKK dac

Assembly Manual

Version 1.1 © 2010 Raleigh Audio

This completed Extreme RAKK dac has a silver face plate and knobs. A black faceplate and knobs is available.

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1

GeneralInformation
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The Extreme RAKK dac is a semi-custom kit, which means that several standard offerings can
be combined in different ways. You can choose to have an optional volume control and optional
select switch. You can choose to have one to four inputs which may be a mix of SPDIF,
AES/EBU, USB or I2S. These are covered in this manual although all of the possible
combinations are not shown. However, those things not shown can be easily inferred from other
things that are shown. Some interfaces, such as TOSLINK, are not included in this manual but
are available as special-order items.

This kit is relatively straightforward to build, but assumes some prior skill with a soldering iron
and some knowledge of electronic components and assembly.

Kit version

Use this manual with the Extreme RAKK dac Mark III

• Use the applicable on-line manuals for component sub-assemblies.

Required Tools and Supplies

150 to 250 Watt soldering gun
35 to 50 Watt soldering iron
Phillips (cross point) screwdriver
Volt-Ohm-Milliamp Meter
Potentiometer adjustment tool (supplied)
1/16” hex (Allen) wrench (supplied)
5/64” hex (Allen) wrench (supplied)

1.5mm. hex (Allen) wrench (supplied)

2.5mm. hex (Allen) wrench (supplied)
1/4”, 5/16”, 1/2”, 9/16” open-end wrenches
Diagonal cutting pliers
Long-nose pliers
Wire stripper
Solder

Use the soldering gun only to solder the heatsink pins.
Use the soldering iron for all other components.

Support

RAKK dac and its associated components are produced through the joint cooperation of K&K
Audio and Raleigh Audio. You may contact us with questions on constructing this kit by sending
an e-mail message to [e-mail] or [e-mail]

2

Warnings and Cautions

Warning — a high voltage power supply (200VDC) is required to make the kit operate properly.

These voltages can be lethal. If you are not familiar with safe techniques for completing the

installation of this kit with a high voltage power supply, then you should seek someone who is
qualified to help you construct this kit safely. If you wish to review safe practice, consult the

ARRL Handbook for Radio Amateurs (www.arrl.org or often at used book stores), which has a
section on high voltage safety. Although they are usually referring to 1000v+, the techniques are

still applicable. As the purchaser, you assume responsibility for safe assembly, testing, and
application of this kit.

Caution – Use only solder that is intended for electrical circuits. Do not use acid or corrosive
flux of any kind.

Caution – Any MOSFET is subject to damage by static electricity. Thus, the MOSFETs need
special care and handling especially when the relative humidity is low. Make sure to discharge
any static electrical charge from your body before handling a MOSFET. You can discharge your
body by touching a water faucet or grounded electrical appliance.

Soldering Notes

To a large extent, the success of your kit-building endeavor depends on your ability to solder
properly. Aside from experience, there are two pretty important factors in this success. The first
is the soldering equipment. I recommend using a temperature controlled soldering station,
although any good soldering iron of 40 watts or greater will do. There are many soldering
stations on the market; I have had good experience with the moderately priced Hakko Model

936. If you do have or purchase a soldering station, or even use your existing soldering iron, I
have found a chisel style tip of about 2mm-2.5mm width to be the most useful. You can use the
flat part for large solder joints and the corner for small solder joints. The second factor is the
selection of the solder you will use. The PC boards and most of the electrical components in the
kit are lead-free, as the movement in the EU has forced manufacturers to remove the lead (and
other dangerous heavy metals) from their products. Decent (notice, I didn’t write “good”) lead­free solder exists, such as Cardas Tri-Eutectic, but it is not so easy to use unless you have some
soldering experience. Lead-free solder tends to melt in a sluggish way and the resulting solder
joints are not the customary shiny silver color, so it’s difficult to avoid “cold” solder joints
without experience. It’s up to you to decide what to use. Choose based on your experience. I
use Cardas Quad Eutectic and can recommend it without reservation; however other high quality
solders may work just as well. Take care in handling electronic solder as most of it still contains
a significant quantity of lead. Wash your hands thoroughly after construction sessions and keep
all kit materials well out of the reach of small children.

Even though there is a “component side” and solder side” to the board, your might find it more
convenient to solder the leaded components from the component side.

3

TableofContents

General Information ...................................................................................................................................................... 2

Table of Contents........................................................................................................................................................... 4

Assembly Instructions ................................................................................................................................................... 5

Pre-wire the printed circuit boards ................................................................................................................................ 6

Pre-wire the Power Output Module (for RAKK dac) ................................................................................................ 7

Pre-wire the Power Output Module (for I2S or USB Adapter) ................................................................................. 7

Pre-wire the Power Boost Module ............................................................................................................................. 7

Pre-wire the Active Output ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Pre-wire the RAKK dac ........................................................................................................................................... 10

Pre-wire the USB to I2S Adapter (if used) .............................................................................................................. 11

Pre-wire the I2S Interface Adapter (if used) ............................................................................................................ 12

Pre-assemble the USB Adapter or I2S Adapter with the RAKK dac ...................................................................... 13

Pre-wire the Power Transformer ................................................................................................................................. 14

Panel Preparation ......................................................................................................................................................... 16

Bottom Panel Preparation ........................................................................................................................................ 16

Top Panel Preparation ............................................................................................................................................. 17

Back Panel Preparation ............................................................................................................................................ 17

Side Panel Preparation ............................................................................................................................................. 18

Front Panel Preparation ........................................................................................................................................... 18

Panel Assembly ........................................................................................................................................................... 19

Bottom Panel Assembly .......................................................................................................................................... 19

Back Panel Assembly .............................................................................................................................................. 27

Front Panel Assembly .............................................................................................................................................. 33

Final Assembly and Wiring ......................................................................................................................................... 34

Wire the Bottom Panel to the Back Panel ................................................................................................................ 34

Wire the Bottom Panel to the Front Panel ............................................................................................................... 38

Assemble the Panels ................................................................................................................................................ 44

Install Internal Cables .............................................................................................................................................. 44

Final Adjustments ........................................................................................................................................................ 49

Adjust the Constant Current Sources ....................................................................................................................... 49

Adjust the Front Panel LEDs ................................................................................................................................... 50

Final Assembly ............................................................................................................................................................ 50

Parts List ...................................................................................................................................................................... 51

Circuit kits ............................................................................................................................................................... 51

Front Panel Options ................................................................................................................................................. 51

Input Options ........................................................................................................................................................... 52

Extreme Kit Contents .............................................................................................................................................. 53

Document version history ............................................................................................................................................ 56

4

AssemblyInstructions

Before you start, read through the instructions completely to the end.
Inventory the kit contents to become familiar with the parts and to make sure you have
everything.

The assembly sequence is as follows:

1. Assemble all of the printed circuit boards

2. Pre-wire the printed circuit boards

3. Pre-wire the power transformer

4. Install PC boards and the power transformer on the bottom panel

5. Assemble the components on the back panel

6. Assemble the components on the front panel

7. Assemble the panels

8. Wire everything together

There are two sizes of stranded wire provided with the kit, #22 and #20. The larger diameter #20
is used for power and high voltage. The smaller diameter #22 is used for signal and low voltage.
Where a wire is to be connected to a PC board, prepare the end by stripping ⅛” insulation and tin
the bare wire. For other connections, strip ¼” and tin the end. Where a twisted-pair is called for,
provide about four or five twists per inch. Twisting wires together will shrink their length
slightly so you need to take this into account. With a very few exceptions, which are explicit,
insert the wire into the pad from the bottom, or solder side, of the board. Wires should be
dressed neatly as close to the bottom of the enclosure as possible.

Assemble the Printed Circuit Boards

Depending upon the feature mix that you have chosen, the boards that you will assemble will
vary. In all cases your project will include a RAKK dac, an Active Differential Output board, a
Low-Voltage Power System Output Module and Power Boost Module. You may also have
chosen to have a USB adapter, or an I2S adapter and their associated power Output Modules.

While assembly of all of the boards is straight-forward, the Active Differential Output is the
most complex. Therefore, I recommend that you leave that board until you have assembled all of
the other boards.

The assembly manuals for the boards include installation instructions that you will not use.
Rather than using those general instructions, you will follow the specific installation
instructions contained in this manual.

Referring to the applicable on-line manuals

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, assemble the boards now.

5

Prewiretheprintedcircuitboards

In the following steps, the wires should be inserted into the solder side of the board. “Preparing a
wire” means to strip ⅛” of insulation from both ends of the wire and tin the ends.

Because each wire has a “from” end and “to” end, and only one end is pre-wired, some pads are
not wired in this section. A signal line or a function will likely have the same name on the
“from” end as it does on the “to” end, therefore don’t just go by the name when you install the
wire. Rather, check that you are installing it on the proper board.

Basically there are two ways to make a twisted pair or a multi-wire cable. The quick and easy
way is to use an electric drill. So if you have a variable speed drill, all you have to do is to put
the wires together in the drill chuck and turn on the drill. It might take a little practice to get the
tension and speed right but once you get the knack, it is quick and easy to do. If you don’t have a
drill handy, the old-fashioned way of manually twisting the wires works fine. I have described
how I do it here. To make a multi-wire cable, first make a twisted pair and then wrap a third
wire around the twisted pair following the lay of one of the wires. Then stretch this new wire like
you did the others. Follow with a fourth and fifth wire as needed.

About 5% shrinkage occurs when making a twisted pair. So for example, if you wanted a 10”
long twisted pair, you would make it from two 10½” wires. It would be better to err a little on the
long side because you can always trim the length when you install the twisted pair.

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6

PrewirethePowerOutputModule(forRAKKdac)

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If you have two Power Output modules, this is the one that will be used to power the RAKK dac.

Prepare a 3” #22 red/black twisted pair.

• Connect the red wire to the 12VDC Output “+” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the 12VDC Output “-” pad.

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PrewirethePowerOutputModule(forI2SorUSBAdapter)

————————————————————————————

Skip this section if you do not have a USB or I2S Adapter.

Prepare a 17” #22 red/black twisted pair.

• Connect the red wire to the 12VDC Output “+” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the 12VDC Output “-” pad.

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PrewirethePowerBoostModule

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1. Prepare a 13” #22 red/black twisted pair.

• Connect the red wire to the 12VDC Output “+” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the 12VDC Output “-” pad.

————————————————————————————

2. Prepare a 5¼” #22 red/black twisted pair.

• Connect the red wire to the LED “A” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the LED “C” pad.

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7

PrewiretheActiveOutput

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Wire the Input Select on the Active Output

1. Connect a jumper wire between the two Input Select pads.

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Wire the Volume Control on the Active Output
(skip this section if you do not have a volume control)

2. Prepare a 5½” #22 blue/black twisted pair.

• Connect the blue wire to the volume control “L+” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the volume control “L-” pad.

3. Prepare a 4½” #22 orange/black twisted pair.

• Connect the orange wire to the volume control “R+” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the volume control “R-” pad.

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8

Wire the “From RAKK dac” inputs on the Active Output

4. Prepare a 4” #22 black wire.

• Connect it to the “REF” pad.

5. Prepare a 4” #22 orange/black twisted pair.

• Connect the orange wire to the “R+” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the “R-” pad.

6. Prepare a 4” #22 blue/black twisted pair.

• Connect the blue wire to the “L+” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the “L-” pad.

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The Line Input pads are not used.
The external mute pads are not used. 

9

PrewiretheRAKKdac

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Wire the Input Select on the RAKK dac

The RAKK dac offers four inputs: three SPDIF or AES/EBU inputs and one I2S input. Inputs 1
through 3 are the SPDIF or AES/EBU inputs and Input 4 is always the I2S input, even if you are
using only a single input.

1. If you have chosen to use only a single input, install a jumper wire between the Input Select

pad for that input and the adjacent “com” pad.

2. If you have chosen to use multiple inputs, you will prepare a 12½” cable. Either twist the

needed wires together with a drill or make the cable manually as follows:

• Prepare a 12½” #22 blue/black twisted pair.

• Prepare a 13½” #22 orange wire. Twist this wire around the blue/black twisted pair.

• If you are using a third input, prepare a 13¾” #22 violet wire. Twist this wire around the

other wires.

• If you are using a forth input, prepare a 14” #22 red wire. Twist this wire around the other

wires.

3. Connect the cable that you have prepared:

• Connect the black wire to the Input Select “com” pad.

• Connect the blue wire to the Input Select pad selected by switch position 1.

• Connect the orange wire to the Input Select pad selected by switch position 2.

• Connect the violet wire to the Input Select pad selected by switch position 3.

• Connect the red wire to the Input Select pad selected by switch position 4.

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Wire the SPDIF Lock LED
(skip this step if you are using only

4. Prepare a 13” #22 red/black twisted pair.

• Connect the red wire to the Lock LED “A” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the Lock LED “C” pad.

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Inputs 1 through 3 will be pre-wired on the back panel assembly. Input 4 will be wired as part of
the attachment of its board to the RAKK dac.
We have found the “Mute” function to be of little value so that LED is not used.

input 4.)

10

PrewiretheUSBtoI2SAdapter(ifused)

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Wire the I2S Output

1. Mount four 1” standoffs on the bottom of the USB Adapter and secure with 6-32 screws.

2. Insert a ½” 6-32 setscrew about half-way into each 1” standoff.

3. Install a ⅜” standoff as a nut on each of the four 1” standoffs.

4. Cut three pieces of #22 black wire, each 1.375” long. 1.375” is the length of the two

standoffs, which may be used as a gauge.

5. Cut three pieces of #22 violet wire, each 1.375” long.

6. Strip ¼” of insulation from each end of the wires and tin the ends by melting a little solder

onto the stripped ends.

7. Insert the three black wires from the bottom of the board into the following three locations:

• DATA -

• LRCK -

• BCK -

8. Solder and trim the leads.

9. Insert the three violet wires from the bottom of the board into the following three locations:

• DATA +

• LRCK +

• BCK +

10. Solder and trim the leads.

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11

PrewiretheI2SInterfaceAdapter(ifused)

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Wire the I2S Output

1. Mount four 1” standoffs on the bottom of the I2S Adapter and secure with 6-32 screws.

2. Insert a ½” 6-32 setscrew about half-way into each 1” standoff.

3. Install a ⅜” standoff as a nut on each of the four 1” standoffs.

4. Cut three pieces of #22 black wire, each 1.375” long. 1.375” is the length of the two

standoffs, which may be used as a gauge.

5. Cut three pieces of #22 violet wire, each 1.375” long.

6. Strip ¼” of insulation from each end of the wires and tin the ends by melting a little solder

onto the stripped ends.

7. Insert the three black wires from the bottom of the board into the following three locations:

• DATA -

• LRCK -

• BCK -

8. Solder and trim the leads.

9. Insert the three violet wires from the bottom of the board into the following three locations:

• DATA +

• LRCK +

• BCK +

10. Solder and trim the leads.

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Note that the 12V Power Isolation circuitry on the board is not used. The associated “Input” and
“Output” pads should be left vacant.

We have found the “attached” LED function to be of little value so it is not used.

12

PreassembletheUSBAdapterorI2SAdapterwiththeRAKKdac


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Steps preceded by a “note” (♪) deal with components which must be oriented properly.

Skip this section if you do not have either a USB Adapter or an I2S Adapter.

1. Remove the 3/8” standoffs from the 1” standoffs on the adapter.

♪

2. Set the adapter on top of the RAKK dac such that the I2S Output pads on the USB (I2S)

Adapter align with the Input 4 – I2S pads on the RAKK dac.

3. Insert the six I2S interface wires into the proper pads on the RAKK dac.

4. Install the four 3/8” standoffs as nuts to hold the two pieces together.

5. Solder the six interface wires.

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13

PrewirethePowerTransformer

For the following steps, refer to the LL1683 Data sheet.

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1. Wire the transformer for your Mains line voltage:

115VAC:

• Connect pin 2 to pin 12 with a #20 black wire.

• Connect pin 4 to pin 10 with a #20 black wire.

230VAC:

• Connect pin 4 to pin 12 with a #20 black wire.

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2. Fabricate a T-shaped AC power cable as follows:

• Cut a #20 black wire, 9½ inches long. Do not strip the ends.

• Cut a #20 black wire, 19¾ inches long. Do not strip the ends.

• Cut a #20 white wire, 17½” long. Do not strip the ends.

• Align the white wire with the longer black wire and twist them together for about 10”.

• Align the other black wire with the other end of the white wire and twist them together

for 4½”.

• Go back to the first pair (that you twisted to 10”) and continue the twist until you get to

the junction of the second pair.

• Now twist the two black wires together until you get to the end. Don’t worry if the two

black wires are different length – you will trim them later.

————————————————————————————

3. Wire the AC cable that you just fabricated:

• Trim the 4½” stub to be 4¼” long.

• Separate the end of the stub for 2¼”.

• Trim 1¾” from the end of the black wire.

• Strip ¼” from the end of both wires and tin the ends.

• Connect the white wire to pin 10.

• Connect the black wire to pin 2.

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14

4. Wire the high voltage:

• Make a twisted-pair from two pieces of #20 red wire, one 10” long and one 10¼” long.

Align the wires evenly at one end.

• Connect the longer wire at the uneven end to pin 17 on the power transformer.

• Connect the shorter wire to pin 15 on the power transformer.

————————————————————————————

5. Connect the center tap in the following manner:

• Prepare a 12½” piece of #20 black wire and strip 1” from one end. Connect the tip of this

end to pin 24 and then wrap the bare wire around pin 22. Solder both pins.

• Dress this wire towards pin 15 and wrap it around the red twisted pair following the lay

of the twist.

• Trim the black wire to be the same length as the two red wires.

————————————————————————————

6. Wire the filament power

• Make a twisted-pair from two pieces of #20 grey wire, one 5” long and one 7¼” long.

Align the wires evenly at one end.

• Connect the longer wire at the uneven end to pin B1 on the power transformer.

• Connect the shorter wire to pin B6 on the power transformer.

————————————————————————————

7. Wire the RAKK dac AC power

• Make a twisted-pair from two pieces of #20 grey wire, one 7” long and one 9¾” long.

Align the wires evenly at one end.

• Connect the longer wire at the uneven end to pin B7 on the power transformer.

• Connect the shorter wire to pin B4 on the power transformer.

————————————————————————————

Skip this step if you do not

have a USB Adapter or an I2S Adapter.

8. Wire the I2S Adapter or USB Adapter AC power

• Make a twisted-pair from two pieces of #20 grey wire, one 4¾” long and one 6⅛” long.

Align the wires evenly at one end.

• Connect the longer wire at the uneven end to pin B8 on the power transformer.

• Connect the shorter wire to pin B3 on the power transformer.

15

PanelPreparation

Cut one 10” x 2” piece of damping material into two pieces: 10” x 1”.

Cut another 10” x 2” piece of damping material into three pieces:
Two, 8” x 1” and one, 2” x 2”.

Cut the remaining 10” x 2” piece of damping material into four pieces:
Two, 4” x 1”, one, 8” x 1” and one, 2” x 2”.

————————————————————————————

BottomPanelPreparation


Note that the lip on the bottom panel points towards the inside.

1. Install the four feet in their holes close to the corners of the panel.

Use a 6-32 x ½” screw, flat washer and Kep nut on each foot.
Place the washer between the head of the screw and the rubber foot.

2. Install one piece of 8” x 1” damping material on the inside of the bottom panel, centered

between the vents and the lip.

3. Install one piece of 4” x 1” damping material on the inside of the bottom panel, next to and

centered on the left side of the vents.

4. Install one piece of 4” x 1” damping material on the inside of the bottom panel, about 1”

away from and centered on the right side of the vents.

Note that the bottom panel in the picture above has lines drawn to show where the transformer
and circuit boards will be mounted.

16

TopPanelPreparation

1. Place the top panel such that the inside surface of the panel faces up and the edge with the lip

(front) is away from you.

2. Install one piece of 10” x 1” damping material on the inside of the top panel, centered

between the vents and the lip.

3. Install one piece of 10” x 1” damping material on the inside of the top panel, centered

between the back of the panel and the vents, but closer to the vents so as not to interfere with
attaching the back panel.

————————————————————————————

BackPanelPreparation



The back panel consists of two parts: an open frame that attaches to the other panels and a
customized insert that contains the jacks.

Place the insert inside the frame and secure them with ten 4-40 x ⅜” screws and ten Kep nuts.

Because two panels being clamped together inhibit vibration resonances, no damping treatment
is required for this panel.

————————————————————————————



17

SidePanelPreparation

1. Install an 8” x 1” piece of damping material centered on the inside of the left panel.

2. Install an 8” x 1” piece of damping material centered on the inside of the right panel.

————————————————————————————

FrontPanelPreparation

The position of damping material for the front panel will vary depending upon the switches and
controls that you have chosen.

Install the two remaining 2” x 2” pieces of damping material on the inside of the front panel.

• Position them evenly and you may wish to cut one or both pieces to provide a more even

distribution.

• Make sure that there is at least ⅝” between the damping material and either the top edge

or bottom edge of the panel.

————————————————————————————



18

PanelAssembly

BottomPanelAssembly

Steps preceded by a “note” (♪) deal with components which must be oriented properly.

TIP – To ease the alignment of the mounting holes with standoffs, slightly loosen the standoffs
from the board, install the screws through the bottom panel into the standoffs and then re-tighten
the standoffs.

————————————————————————————
♪

Mount the power transformer

1. Mount the LL1683 transformer in its location using the four 4mm metric screws. Orient the

transformer such that the high-voltage (shorter) pins are towards the front of the panel. The
front of the panel has the lip.

• Dress the white/black twisted pair toward the edge of the panel. Then the white/black

twisted pair will go towards the rear of the panel and the black/black twisted pair will go
to the front of the panel.

• Dress the grey twisted pair that will attach to the Power Output Module toward the edge

of the panel.

• If you have a second grey twisted pair that will attach to a Power Output Module, dress it

toward the edge of the panel.

• Dress the grey twisted pair that will power the filaments toward the center of the panel.

• Dress the red/red/black twisted trio toward the center of the panel.

19

————————————————————————————

20

♪
Mount the Power Output module for the RAKK dac.

Remember, if you assembled two Power Output modules, they were personalized with
different ballast resistors.

2. Place the Power Output module for the RAKK dac in its location, in line with the

transformer, but close to the rear of the panel. Orient the board such that the AC Input is
closest to the edge of the panel. Do not secure the board yet.

3. Dress the grey twisted pair that is connected to transformer pins B4 and B7 along the edge of

the panel to the Power Output Module. Connect that grey twisted pair to the AC Input pads.

4. Secure the board with four 6-32 x ¼” screws.

————————————————————————————

21

♪

Mount the Power Output module for the USB or I2S Adapter

Skip this section if you do not have a USB or I2S adapter.

5. Place the Power Output module for the adapter in its location, between the transformer and

the other Power Output module. Orient the board such that the AC Input is closest to the edge
of the panel. Do not secure the board yet.

6. Dress the grey twisted pair that is connected to transformer pins B3 and B8 along the edge of

the panel to the Power Output Module. Connect that grey twisted pair to the AC Input pads.

7. Secure the board with four 6-32 x ¼” screws.

8. Dress the wires:

• Dress the red/black twisted pair directly across the bottom panel.

————————————————————————————

22

♪

Mount the Active Output board

9. Mount the Active Output board in its location in the center of the chassis.

Orient the board such that the power input pads are closest to the power transformer.
Do not secure the board yet.

10. Locate the grey twisted pair that is connected to transformer pins B1 and B6. Connect this

twisted pair to the “6.3VAC” pads.

11. Locate the red twisted pair that is connected to transformer pins 15 and 17 and has a black

wire wrapped around it.

• These three wires will be connected to the “250V-0-250V” pads.

• Connect the two red wires to the outer pads.

• Connect the black wire to the center pad.

12. Secure the board with thirteen 6-32 x ¼” screws.

13. Dress the wires:

• Dress the twisted pairs for the volume control towards the front of the panel.

• Dress the twisted pairs for the RAKK dac towards the edge of the panel.

————————————————————————————

23

♪

Mount the Power Boost board

14. Mount the Power Boost board in its location between the Active Output board and the

transformer. Orient the board such that the 12VDC Output is towards the front of the panel.
Do not secure the board yet.

15. Locate the red/black twisted pair from the RAKK dac Power Output board.

• Connect the red wire to the 12VDC Input “+” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the 12VDC Input “-” pad.

16. Secure the board with five 6-32 x ¼” screws.

17. Dress the wires:

• Dress the shorter red/black twisted pair towards the front of the panel.

• Dress the longer red/black twisted pair along the edge of the Active Output board toward

the far edge of the panel.

————————————————————————————

24

♪
Mount the RAKK dac

18. Mount the RAKK dac in its location next to the Active Output board.

• Orient the board such that the Output pads are closest to the Active Output board.

• Do not secure the board yet.

19. Locate the orange/black twisted pair, blue/black twisted pair and black wire that are

connected to the “From RAKK dac” pads on the Active Output.

• These will be connected to the “Output” pads on the RAKK dac.

• Connect the orange wire to the “R+” pad and connect the associated black wire to the “R-

” pad.

• Connect the blue wire to the “L+” pad and connect the associated black wire to the “L-”

pad.

• Connect the black wire to the “REF” pad.

20. Locate the red/black twisted pair that is connected to the Power Boost module 12VDC

Output.

• It will be connected to the 12V pads on the RAKK dac.

• Connect the red wire to the “+” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the “-” pad.

————————————————————————————

Wire the USB Adapter power
Skip this section if you do not have a USB Adapter.

21. Locate the red/black twisted pair that is connected to the 12VDC Output pads on the Output

module that you assembled for the USB Adapter.

• It will be connected to the +12V pads on the USB Adapter.

• Connect the red wire to the “+” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the “Ground” pad.

————————————————————————————

25

Wire the I2S Adapter power
Skip this section if you do not have an I2S Adapter.

22. Locate the red/black twisted pair that is connected to the 12VDC Output pads on the Output

module that you assembled for the I2S Adapter.

• It will be connected to the 12V pads on the I2S Adapter.

• Connect the red wire to the “+” pad.

• Connect the black wire to the “-” pad.

Note that the 12V Power Isolation circuit on this board is not used. The “Input” and “Output”
pads from that circuit should be left vacant.

————————————————————————————

23. Dress the wires:

• Dress the Input Select wires along the side to the front of the panel.

• Dress the “Lock” twisted pair to the front of the panel and then towards the other end of

the panel.

26

BackPanelAssembly

You may have as few as one or as many as four input jacks. There are several types of input
jacks and here are some general guidelines for mounting the jacks:

• Mount the jacks from the inside of the panel.

• The large, XLR-size, jacks are secured with two 4-40 x ⅜” screws and nuts.

• Orient XLR jacks such that the center pin is on the bottom.

• XLR inputs use female jacks (with a tab), XLR outputs use male jacks.

• The HDMI jack should be mounted with the widest part of the connector closest to the

bottom of the panel.

The standard output jack arrangement is for a pair of RCA jacks and a pair of XLR jacks. An
associated switch selects the proper grounding for the jacks. This standard is assumed for these
instructions.

————————————————————————————

27

Mount the jacks and hardware:

1. Install the digital input jacks that you will be using.

2. If you have chosen to have unused input holes for future expansion, install filler plugs in

those locations.

3. Install a male XLR connector in each of the two output locations.

4. Mount an RCA jack in each of the two output locations. Position the red washer on the

outside of the right jack and the white washer on the outside of the left jack.

5. Install the DPDT toggle switch in the “RCA/XLR” location.

Position the switch so the toggle alternates between the “RCA” and “XLR”.

6. Install the fuse in the power connector. Note that there is also a place for the spare fuse in the

fuse holder.

7. Install the power connector from the outside of the panel. Orient the connector such that the

fuse is on the bottom, and secure with two 4-40 x ⅜” screws and nuts.

8. Install the solder lug on the inside of the panel, in the hole adjacent to the power connector.

Secure with a 4mm screw and nut. Orient the solder tab away from the power connector and
form the solder tab at a 90-degree angle away from the panel.

————————————————————————————

Wire the power connector:

9. Wire the safety ground:

This wire will be used a single-point chassis ground buss to which other wires are soldered.

• Strip the insulation from the 2” piece of #18 solid wire so that it is bare.

• Connect one end of this wire to the top (center from the outside) terminal on the power

connector.

• Dress the wire straight to the side and then down toward the solder lug. Connect the wire

to the tab on the solder lug.

• Solder both ends of the wire.

• Tin the wire by flowing solder over the whole length.

The “hot” and “neutral” pins will be wired later.

————————————————————————————

28

Wire the chassis ground connections:

10. Connect a 5” #20 green wire from both center pins on the “RCA/XLR” switch to the ground

buss. Solder both ends and dress the wire along the bottom edge of the panel.

11. Prepare an 11” #20 green wire. Connect it to the ground buss.

The next three steps deal with XLR jacks. Note that the XLR jacks have an extra silver-colored
metal tab adjacent to pin 1. This tab is connected to the body of the jack and may be used to
make a chassis ground connection.

12. Connect a jumper wire from pin 1 on the left output XLR connector to the adjacent ground

tab. Solder both ends.

13. Connect a jumper wire from pin 1 on the right output XLR connector to the adjacent ground

tab. Solder both ends.

14. If you have XLR Input connectors, connect a jumper wire from pin 1 on each input XLR

connector to the adjacent ground tab. Solder both ends.

Earlier versions of these instructions had the XLR chassis connections made with green wires to
the ground buss. These new instructions are not only easier but also more effective; therefore
ignore any pictures in this document showing green wire grounds between the XLR jacks and the
ground buss.

————————————————————————————

29

Wire the output jacks:

15. Prepare two twisted pairs as follows:

• Make a twisted pair from a 16” piece of orange #22 wire and a 18¾” piece of black #22

wire.

• Measure and trim the uneven end such that the black wire is 2¾” longer than the orange

wire. Do not worry about the other end; you will trim it later.

• On the uneven end, strip 2½” from the black wire and tin just the tip.

• Strip about ⅛” from the end of the orange wire and tin the end.

• Likewise, make a twisted pair from an 18” piece of blue #22 wire and a 20¾” piece of

black #22 wire.

• Measure and trim the uneven end such that the black wire is 2¾” longer than the blue

wire. Do not worry about the other end; you will trim it later.

• On the uneven end, strip 2½” from the black wire and tin just the tip.

• Strip about ⅛” from the end of the blue wire and tin the end.

30

16. Wire the right output RCA jack:

• You will now install the black/orange twisted pair that you just made.

• On the uneven end, insert the end of the black wire into the switch terminal that is closest

to the right XLR jack. Solder the terminal and wire.

• Wrap the long stripped end of the black wire around the shell of the right RCA jack and

solder it. You might want to use a soldering gun for this operation.

• Solder the orange wire to the center pin.

17. Wire the left output RCA jack:

• You will now install the black/blue twisted pair that you just made.

• On the uneven end, insert the end of the black wire into the switch terminal that is closest

to the left XLR jack. Solder the terminal and wire.

• Wrap the long stripped end of the black wire around the shell of the left RCA jack and

solder it. You might want to use a soldering gun for this operation.

• Solder the blue wire to the center pin.

31

18. Wire the right output XLR jack:

• Prepare a twisted pair from a 16” piece of orange wire and a 16” piece of black wire. The

resultant twisted pair will be about 15” long.

• Strip about ⅛” from both wires on one end and tin the ends.

• Connect the black wire to pin 3 of the right output XLR jack.

• Connect the orange wire to pin 2 of the right output XLR jack.

19. Wire the left output XLR jack:

• Prepare a twisted pair from an 18” piece of blue wire and an 18” piece of black wire. The

resultant twisted pair will be about 17” long.

• Strip about ⅛” from both wires on one end and tin the ends.

• Connect the black wire to pin 3 of the left output XLR jack.

• Connect the blue wire to pin 2 of the left output XLR jack.

20. Wire each SPDIF input (RCA jack) (if used) as follows:

• Make a twisted pair from an 8” piece of violet #22 wire and a 10” piece of black #22

wire.

• On the uneven end, strip 1¾” from the black wire and tin just the tip.

• Wrap the long stripped end of the black wire around the shell of the input RCA jack and

solder it.

• Connect the violet wire to the center pin.

21.

Wire each AES/EBU input (XLR jack) (if used) as follows:

• Prepare an 8” #22 violet/black twisted pair.

• Connect the violet wire to pin 2 and the black wire to pin 3.

• You previously wired a #20 green wire to pin 1.

————————————————————————————



32

FrontPanelAssembly

Suggestion: You may want to place a towel on your work surface to ensure that you don’t scratch the
panel.

————————————————————————————

Skip the steps involving the select switch and volume control if you do not have those options.

1. Notice that the two LEDs have one lead that is longer than the other. This identifies the

functions of the leads – the longer lead is the anode and the shorter lead is the cathode. You
will now shorten both leads while keeping the length distinction.

• Cut the shorter lead on each LED to be ¼” long

• Cut the longer lead on each LED to be ⅜” long

2. Mount the Power-On LED in its hole and secure it in place with a drop of adhesive.

3. Mount the SPDIF Lock LED in its hole and secure it in place with a drop of adhesive.

4. Install the Power on/off switch in its location on the right end (from the front) of the panel

using the supplied nut. Tighten the nut snug but be careful to not over-tighten the nut because
the thread is plastic and it may strip.

5. Install the input select switch in its location on the left end (from the front) of the panel using

the supplied nut. Tighten the nut snug but be careful to not over-tighten the nut because the
thread is plastic and it may strip.

6. Install the volume control in the remaining hole.

———————————————————————————— 

33

FinalAssemblyandWiring

————————————————————————————

WiretheBottomPaneltotheBackPanel

————————————————————————————

Position the back panel on the back of the bottom panel and secure it with three 6-32 screws.

Trim the length of these wires as needed.

Wire the AC Power and Ground

1. Dress the loose green wire close to the chassis and connect it to the “chassis” pad on the

Active Output.

2. Dress the power cable that is connected to transformer pins 2 and 4 as follows:

• Dress the cable to the edge of the panel.

• Dress the white/black twisted pair along the edge of the bottom panel toward the back of

the panel.

• Dress the black twisted pair along the edge of the bottom panel toward the front of the

panel.

3. Connect the white/black cable to the power connector as follows:

• Trim ½” from the end of the black wire.

• Strip ¼” from the end of both wires and tin the ends.

• Connect the white wire to the center pin.

• Connect the black wire to the bottom pin.

34

————————————————————————————

35

Wire the Inputs

4. If you have chosen to have an SPDIF or AES/EBU Input 1, connect the violet/black twisted

pair from that jack to the Input 1 pads on the RAKK dac. Connect the violet wire to the “+”
pad and the black wire to the “-” pad.

5. If you have chosen to have an SPDIF or AES/EBU Input 2, connect the violet/black twisted

pair from that jack to the Input 2 pads on the RAKK dac. Connect the violet wire to the “+”
pad and the black wire to the “-” pad.

6. If you have chosen to have an SPDIF or AES/EBU Input 3, connect the violet/black twisted

pair from that jack to the Input 3 pads on the RAKK dac. Connect the violet wire to the “+”
pad and the black wire to the “-” pad.

7. Secure the RAKK dac with four 6-32 screws.

————————————————————————————

Wire the Outputs

8. Connect the orange/black twisted pair from the Right Output RCA jack to the “Right Output”

pads on the Active Output. Connect the orange wire to the “R+” pad and the black wire to the
“R-” pad.

9. Connect the orange/black twisted pair from the Right Output XLR jack to the “Right Output”

pads on the Active Output. Connect the orange wire to the “R+” pad and the black wire to the
“R-” pad.

10. Connect the blue/black twisted pair from the Left Output RCA jack to the “Left Output” pads

on the Active Output. Connect the blue wire to the “L+” pad and the black wire to the “L-”
pad.

11. Connect the blue/black twisted pair from the Left Output XLR jack to the “Left Output” pads

on the Active Output. Connect the blue wire to the “L+” pad and the black wire to the “L-”
pad.

36

————————————————————————————





37

WiretheBottomPaneltotheFrontPanel


Lay the front panel down adjacent to the bottom panel where it will be installed.

————————————————————————————

Trim the lengths of the wires as needed in the following steps.

————————————————————————————

38

Wire the Volume Control

(skip this section if you do not have a volume control)

1. Connect the twisted pairs from the “volume control” pads on the Active Output board to the

volume control as follows:

• Connect the blue wire to the tab extending from the switch wafer closest to the front

panel.

• Connect the associated black wire to the “com” pad on the board closest to the front

panel.

• Connect the orange wire to the tab extending from the switch wafer closest to the back of

the switch.

• Connect the associated black wire to the “com” pad on the board closest to the back of

the switch.

————————————————————————————

39

Wire the Select Switch

(skip this section if you do not have a select switch)

2. Connect the cable from the Input Select pads on the RAKK dac as follows:

• Connect the black wire to the “A” tab of the Select switch.

• Connect the blue wire to the “1” tab.

• Connect the orange wire to the “2” tab.

• Connect the violet wire to the “3” tab.

• Connect the red wire to the “4” tab.

————————————————————————————

40

Wire the Power Switch

The power switch has four terminals. These are two pair that will be used in parallel, so each
wire will be connected to two terminals. One wire will be connected to the two terminals closest
to the end of the switch and the other wire will be connected to the two terminals closest to the
center of the switch.

3. Connect the black twisted pair to the four terminals on the power-on switch.

————————————————————————————

41

Wire the Power-on LED

4. Locate the red/black twisted pair from the Power Boost board.

5. Solder the wires to the LED leads about ⅛” from the body of the LED.

• Connect the red wire to the anode. The anode is the longer of the two leads.

• Connect the black wire to the cathode.

————————————————————————————

Wire the SPDIF Lock LED

6. Locate the red/black twisted pair from the RAKK dac Lock LED pads.

7. Solder the wires to the LED leads about ⅛” from the body of the LED.

• Connect the red wire to the anode. The anode is the longer of the two leads.

• Connect the black wire to the cathode.

————————————————————————————

————————————————————————————

42

Mount the Front Panel

8. Mount the front panel onto the bottom panel.

• Remove the plastic covers from the studs now.

• The stud in the center bottom of the front panel fits into the hole in the lip of the bottom

panel.

• Secure the panel with a 6-32 KEP nut on the center stud only finger-tight.

9. Neatly dress the wires along the bottom panel close to the front panel.

43

AssemblethePanels


————————————————————————————

1. Loosen the three screws securing the back panel to the bottom panel

♪

2. Position the two side panels on the ends of the bottom panel.

• Orient the side panels such that the ends of the side panels with the open holes are at the

front and the ends of the panels with the insert nuts are at the back.

• The studs on each end of the front panel fit into the holes on the ends of the side panels.

3. Secure the front panel to the side panels with four 6-32 Kep nuts. Leave these nuts slightly

loose.

4. Install two screws through the back panel into each side panel. Leave these four screws

slightly loose.

5. Secure each side panel to the bottom panel with three 6-32 x ¼” screws. Leave these six

screws slightly loose.

6. Position the top panel on the top of the unit and secure with nine 6-32 x ¼” Phillips head

screws. Tighten these screws.

7. Tighten the four screws on the back panel and the nine screws on the bottom panel.

8. Remove the top panel and tighten the five Kep nuts securing the front panel.

————————————————————————————

InstallInternalCables

1. If you have an I2S Adapter, install the short internal HDMI cable between the input jack and

the I2S Adapter.

2. If you have a USB to I2S adapter, install the short internal USB cable between the input jack

and the USB Adapter.

————————————————————————————

44



45

46

47



48

FinalAdjustments

AdjusttheConstantCurrentSources



The adjustments that you are about to make on the Active Output board interact. Therefore, the
first time you may have to alternate adjustments to get them in range.

————————————————————————————

1. Install a 6N6P tube in locations V1 and V2.

————————————————————————————

2. Power on the Extreme RAKK dac and allow it to warm up for about one minute.

————————————————————————————

3. Adjust the Left B+: Measure the voltage across the 20KΩ resistor, R27 and adjust

potentiometer R34 for 200V across R27.

————————————————————————————

4. Adjust the Right B+: Measure the voltage across the 20KΩ resistor, R26 and adjust

potentiometer R30 for 200V across R26.

————————————————————————————

5. Measure the voltage across each of the four CCS current sense resistors and adjust the

associated potentiometers for 240mV across its resistor.

Measure Adjust Voltage
R39 R38 0.240V
R44 R43 0.240V
R49 R48 0.240V
R54 R53 0.240V

————————————————————————————

6. Allow the unit to warm up for about 15 minutes and then check and re-adjust the above six

adjustments.

————————————————————————————

49



AdjusttheFrontPanelLEDs

7. Adjust the Power On indicator.

• Power the unit on

• Adjust the potentiometer on the Power Boost Module for the desired brightness of the

LED.

8. Adjust the SPDIF Lock Indicator.

• Attach a CD transport to the SPDIF input

• Select that input

• Play a CD

• Adjust the potentiometer on the RAKK dac for the desired brightness of the LED.

FinalAssembly

1. Position the top panel on the top of the unit and secure with nine 6-32 x ¼” Phillips head

screws. Tighten these screws.

————————————————————————————

2. Install the knobs. Align the knobs and tighten the setscrews using a 1.5mm. hex wrench.

————————————————————————————

3. Apply optional labeling tape to the front panel.

————————————————————————————

Congratulations! You have finished the assembly and installation.

Enjoy the music and be aware that the character and quality of the sound will improve with time.
The first 100 hours are most noticeable so hold off making evaluations until after that.

50

PartsList

Circuitkits

Refer to the parts list for each of these kits.

The following kits are provided.

• RAKK dac Mark III

• Active Differential Output

• Low Voltage Power System Power Output Module

• Low Voltage Power System Power Boost Module

FrontPanelOptions

The front panel will be customized for the options that you have chosen.

Volume Control

Part Description Qty

volume control 1
knob 1

Input Select switch

Part Description Qty

select switch 1
knob 1



51

InputOptions

The back panel will be customized for the options that you have chosen.

SPDIF Input

Part Description Qty

RCA jack 1, 2 or 3
LL1572 pulse transformer 1, 2 or 3

AES/EBU Input

Part Description Qty

XLR jack 1, 2 or 3
Screw 4-40 x ⅜” 2, 4 or 6
Kep nut 4-40 (with star washer) 2, 4 or 6
LL1574 pulse transformer 1, 2 or 3

USB Input

Part Description Qty

USB to I2S Adapter circuit board 1
LVPS
Output module kit
USB jack 1
cable 12” 1
screw 4-40 x ⅜” 2
Kep nut 4-40 (with star washer) 2
standoff 6-32 x 1” female/female 4
setscrew 6-32 x ½” 4

I2S Input

Part Description Qty

I2S Interface Adapter circuit board 1
LVPS
Output module kit
HDMI jack 1
cable 12” 1
screw 4-40 x ⅜” 2
Kep nut 4-40 (with star washer) 2
standoff 6-32 x 1” female/female 4
setscrew 6-32 x ½” 4

circuit board 1

circuit board 1

52

ExtremeKitContents

In addition to the parts in the circuit kits and options listed above, these parts are provided:

Mechanical Parts

Part Description Qty

Chassis set Top, bottom, front, back frame, two sides 1

Back Panel custom 1

Power switch Rotary, 1

Knob For power switch 1

AC inlet module Black with three prongs 1

Fuse 0.5A, 250V 5 x 20mm for 115VAC

0.315A, 250V 5 x 20mm for 230VAC

RCA jack Cardas 2

XLR jack, male Black with three prongs 2

Switch, toggle For RCA/XLR 1

LED blue 2

Power transformer LL1683 1

Foot Damping, black 4

Damping material 2” by 10” with adhesive backing 3

2

53

Wire List

From this, twisted pairs and individual pieces are called out in the individual assembly steps.
Twisted wires are best made using a small electrical drill to do the twisting. Between 4 and 5
twists per inch is good. Be sure not to twist all the wire of a given color as some individual
pieces are needed as well as twisted ones. Remember the twisting will slightly shrink the length
so take this into account.

Part Description Qty

Wire, 20 gauge white 20”

black 50”

red 23”

green 17”

grey 44”

Wire, 22 gauge black 217”

blue 65”

red 75”

orange 60”

violet 48”

Wire, 18 gauge solid 2”

54

Hardware List

Part Description Qty

Screw 4-4 x 0.375” button head 16

Screw 6-32 x 0.25” button head 17

Screw 6-32 x 0.5” button head 4

Screw 6-32 x 0.25” Phillips head 9

Screw 4mm x 8mm button head 5

Nut 4-40 Kep nut (with star washer) 16

Nut 6-32 Kep nut (with star washer) 9

Nut 4mm machine nut 1

Washer 6-32 flat washer 4

Ground lug 4mm 1

Stand-off 6-32 x 0.375 4

Wrench Hex, 5/64” for 6-32 screws note 1

Wrench Hex, 1/16” for 4-40 screws note 1

Wrench Hex, 1.5mm, for knobs 1

Wrench Hex, 2.5mm for 4mm screws 1

Notes: 1. 1/16” and 5/64” wrenches are included with the

Active Output parts.

2. The 1/16” wrench is almost the same size as the

1.5mm wrench, however even the small
difference is important for properly fitting the
screws.

55

Documentversionhistory

Version Description

1.0 Original document

1.1 (This document) rearranged the order of some steps and clarified some instructions.

56