This is actually an old card, but I think I can have a use if I can get an adequate mainboard with PCI slot. This card was quite famous at that time, with excellent 24/192 support and tons of I/O interface. The core is similar with the one used at Creative SoundBlaster series (EMU10K processor), but surely at different ammunition to support it.
The main PCI card only provide digital I/O (Coax and Optic/ADAT). One FireWire also found here. The last one is RG-45 connector, which must be connected to external docking (don’t ever plug your network cable here!). That docking will provide all I/O functionality, including a nice dedicated headphone amplifier with independent volume control.
This is a professional card. So we shall not expect a stupid re-sampling like on most consumer grade sound card, right? So we will see some separate crystal oscillator around.
Well, another one…
I believe we have some more…
Zoomed on one of the crystal.
The docking drive. It will provide a huge amount of I/O, both analog and digital.
The inputs, powered by AKM 5394 ADC and some JRC opamps. Some electrolytic could be upgraded. Relay is standard Takamisawa.
Zoomed view of the input side.
The output side powered by Cirrus Logic 4398 DAC and again some JRC opamps. This Cirrus Logic DAC used is even higher than the one used at Lynx Two (if I remember correctly). But frankly speaking, I still prefer the sound of Lynx, though.
This orange capacitor reminds me of Sikorel, but surely it’s not!
The stacked PCB design is quite unique with a lot of tall jumpers.
A ‘pregnant’ caps on my audio rig! Noooooo…. That’s impossible! But it happens!
I think this card could use a short modification. Replacing some opamps, some caps, and some connectors could improve. Will see after I could get an adequate mainboard to test.
red I
June 3, 2013 09:57Hey, are u willing to sale this pci? I have the dock but I fried the mother board years back.
Auw Jimmy
June 3, 2013 11:00Hi,
I don’t think so… Sorry.
Thanks.
vls
September 10, 2013 05:59Have you done anything to it yet im anxius to see your replacements and if y are satisfied with them
Auw Jimmy
September 12, 2013 23:08No, not yet…
Hard to find a PC with old PCI slot later these days.
Thanks.
Willy Máster
November 26, 2013 19:27Como comprar y el precio de la PCI y cables de conexión ya que tengo lo demás por favor si les es posible, una lugar donde la pueda comprar vÃa Internet o de otra manera, gracias de ante manos.
Willy Máster
December 31, 2013 03:32Como comprar y el precio de la PCI y cables de conexión ya que tengo lo demás por favor si les es posible, una lugar donde la pueda comprar vÃa Internet o de otra manera, gracias de ante manos
Auw Jimmy
December 31, 2013 20:19Hola,
Lo sentimos, pero no tengo ni idea.
Gracias.
Barry
April 9, 2014 03:50Hello Jimmy
Just wondering how you got on with sourcing a p.c./ motherboard for the 1820m. I’m looking for one as my old pc died. It’s finding one with the old pci card that makes sourcing one difficult. I wondered if you had any tips on where to look?
thankyou
barry
Auw Jimmy
April 11, 2014 17:21Hi Barry,
It’s a bit tough to be honest. Need to find for old mainboard. Not quite sure if they are still available currently.
Thanks.
Jirawat
March 3, 2015 18:45This is my beloved interface. I still using it with Windows 8.1 x64 and it’s running flawlessly.
Scott
July 30, 2015 15:05Hey guys there are tones of older motherboards with PCI interface on Ebay. . . I love this DSP as well!! I have with a DFI intel lga 775 motherboard with Xeon core2quad 12Mb cache @ 3.6 GHz! and it is so stable!!! . I want to look into modding mine as well Jimmy! . . . and am interested in finding someone who can do it. I also have a presonus firestudio that needs one of the pre amps repaired and wondering how much replacing the pre’s would cost. I am tempted to give it a go myself since am decent at soldiering but where would I pick some that would be of better quality then the pre existing ones?