Simple, but effective DAC upgrade for OPPO UDP 203

With just a few types of soldering tools, you can easily upgrade the quality of the analog audio output of Oppo UDP 203.

 

The Oppo UDP 203 uses an AK4458VN 8-channel DAC chip from Asahi Kasehi, Japan.

 

The chip is cheap for about 5 to 6 dollars, but sound quality is very natural and good. Because it is low price, it is also used for smart phone.

 

 

The DAC board of the Oppo UDP 203 has coupling capacitor. ELNA electrolytic capacitors (100uF/ 16v) are used.

 

Take out those electrolytic capacitors and change to 100uF OSCON together with Wima MKS2 1uF / 63V film capacitor a in parallel for the front left, right and subwoofer channels . Use 10 uF OSCON for other channels .

 

You can order Sanyo or Panasonic OSCOn from www.digikey.com or www.mouser.com.

 

The substrate is marked with CE1,2,8,11,19,20,25,26.

 

If you want to play stereo music mostly, upgrade only the front left and right channels as shown in the picture below. If you want to surround channels, you have to change all 8 channels.

 

It is simple remodeling, but it will be rewarded with sure sound quality improvement.

 

Sound quality changes greatly with the material of the coupling capacitor.

One of the most preferred coupling capacitors in vacuum tube amplifiers costs 500$ for 0.47 uF and 600V of silver foil Mylar.

The role of the coupling capacitor is important. This is because the music signal flows through coupling capacitors directly while blocking direct currents.