< Picture: High-frequency channels +3dB with respect to the mid freq channels.
Wiring? No wiring!
By using the available headers on the DCX main DSP board, this unit can be grafted on the DCX without any wiring, using the same XLR output connectors which are on the stock board. You can use this unit with unbalanced (RCA) power amp inputs unchanged.
All other connections go via a few custom flat cables, similar to the passive version. I retained the RS232 serial interface, so you can continue to use a PC to setup your DCX.
There is a simple flat cable to connect the processor- and display board at the front panel to the output board.
The detailed cable construction is shown in the Construction Guide. This is NOT difficult, but you need to work carefully. Double-check cable length, wire numbers, connector types and the position of the notch. Take your time.
So, what you need in addition to the main output PCB and the small display PCB is a set of custom flat cables. I will post pictures and information for this; it's not a big deal anyway.
And, if you want to retain the RS232 link to your PC you also need the small PCB (see the passive article, or do point-to-point wiring from a flat cable breakout).
![[XXL Stuffing Guide]](images/DCX%20XXL%20stuffing%20guide.bmp){kind=link}
Construction notes
Constructing this kit takes some time due to the relatively large number of components (mostly R's and C's). But it is not hard. If you have reasonable soldering skills and are willing to work accurately, you will have no problems to complete it. And of course your reward will be a professional addition to your DCX giving it high-end sound!
Using the step-by-step Construction Guide you should have no problems with this project.
There are two components that are surface mounted on the pcb. The level chip, the CS3318, is a flat pack surface mount with a 0.5mm (about 1/50 inch) pitch. Soldering that would be beyond most home constructors. It certainly is beyond me! I have a friend who has the experience and equipment to solder these chips. If you order this kit from Ward Maas you will get the board with the CS3318 already on it.
We are putting together a complete kit, with all electrical and mechanical parts. You don't need anything else to complete this upgrade. Although there is a stuffing guide in the Construction Guide, here is an extra large one you can use to check off those components you have mounted.
The other surface mount component is the OPA1632 which you would need if you want the option to use analog stereo sources. That is also surface mount but has a wider pitch and even I can solder that, so you can do it for sure!
Lastly, the flat cables. If you have a vise, you can construct the flat cables in less than an hour. Just be sure to check and double check. Flat cable technology has been developed to get good, solid contacts each time, and I haven't had a single problem with it after probably 100 cables so far.
