Line-level output mod for the Arylic H50 streaming amplifier

Hello!

I added a line-level output to my Arylic H50 because I wanted to connect a more powerful external amplifier. Here is how I did it.

So, I wanted to connect my H50 to an external DIY amplifier (TCRastrs TCR125AX2 450W Stereo Amplifier Kit + two ICEpower125ASX2 modules in a bridged configuration). The H50 does not have line level output (except for the subwoofer out), so I needed to make one.

Initially I wanted to tap the signal just before the APA320 power amplifier chip. I even was able to contact the manufacturer (Shenzhen Zhixinke Microelectronics Co., Ltd.) and got the pinout for the chip. (Thanks to them for the quick support!)

However, the pads of the power amplifier chip are very small and I did not have the soldering iron (or skill) capable of that precision. So, I decided to tap the output of the ESS ES9023P DAC chip.

I added a 3.5mm audio socket besides the subwoofer output and connected it to the line outputs of the ESS DAC.

Here are some images of the components and the result:

The power amplifier APA320 that I wanted to tap originally (view with the radiator removed):

The ESS DAC that I tapped instead:

The connection to the DAC (not ideal soldering but it works! :sweat_smile: ):

The 3.5mm audio output socket with the plug already plugged in:

The modification achieved the desired result and now I can drive my Dali Oberon 5 speakers easily with the external amplifier. Also, the H50 native power amplifier still works, so nothing was damaged in the process.

One thing where I may be lucky is that my external amplifier has good pre-amplifier circuitry based on INA1650 chips that can consume the direct output of the ES9023P.

I must note that had Arylic LP100 been released at the time I purchased H50, I could have bought that and saved myself the trouble. But then again, I like tinkering, so I had my fun with this project! :slight_smile:

Happy New Year and I hope this was interesting or useful to someone!

Atis

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