ESS Sabre Reference DAC (8-channel)

[Shinja]

bunpei,
It was just a example that I mentioned SBM.
but you can imagine the effect of noise shaping by regarding their normalization frequency multiplying 8 time.

[Bunpei]

Originally Posted by Shinja

...
but you can imagine the effect of noise shaping by regarding their normalization frequency multiplying 8 time. ...

Hi, Shinja,

May I ask you what "normalization frequency" means? Would you give me a definite number?

Bunpei

[RayCtech]

Originally Posted by Bunpei

By the way, how is the recent progress of your "8 channel DXD play using exaU2I" project?

I visited the 2L studio and listened to their DXD surround setup..

The "strange" feeling to leave the 2L studio (DXD surround setup) and play the DXD masters on my 2 channel setup without "missing" anything of the surround setup. The improved fidelity of the 2 channel setup - more than compensated for any "extra" surround effects..

Later I have been able to improve the 2 channel setup in many steps..
Switch from Windows players to OSX and then to Linux MPD.
Switch from exaU2I to other USB -> I2S adapters.
Start using the galvanic USB isolation.
Start using 9 bit true mode.
Improved versions of the AMT fullrange speakers.
Improved versions of the JFET class A amplifiers.
Improved versions of the mains filters.
Improved versions of mains, USB, signal and loudspeaker cables.
++++

[Bunpei]

Originally Posted by RayCtech

I expect your "quantizer references" are Dustin´s explanations (in this thread the 15th february 2008) for the ES9008 chip..

However - with the ES9018 chips I discovered and implemented the 9 bit "true differential mode"...

To Russ and glt:

May I ask any of you whether the Raymond's finding on ES9018 has been confirmed already?

Bunpei

[RayCtech]

Originally Posted by Bunpei

To Russ and glt:

May I ask any of you whether the Raymond's finding on ES9018 has been confirmed already?

Bunpei

You can be quite sure they cannot confirm that

I also use other findings that improve the fidelity by using and programming the chip in quite undocumented and not intended modes.

[Craig405]

Hi,

I am/was considering one of these ess sabre 9018 dacs, however I dont see much detail in the data sheet? And also i have read that the 32-bit spec is misleading..to those who listen in the analogue world at least

So what What makes these dacs worth the cost?

I am on the verge of going with AD/TI now, primarily because of the clear and complete documentation and the warm feeling it gives me!

Cheers
Craig

[Bunpei]

To Raymond,

I appreciated your recent updates for your 2L DXD 8 channel surround play project very much.
I understood that you don't need the 8 channel surround anymore and you have stopped using exaU2I for that purpose.

In the improved item list in your previous reply, I could not find your proprietary hyper DSD DAC yet.

Bunpei

[RayCtech]

Originally Posted by Bunpei

I understood that you don't need the 8 channel surround anymore and you have stopped using exaU2I for that purpose.

No not due to channel count -> due to improved fidelity...

Originally Posted by Bunpei

In the improved item list in your previous reply, I could not find your proprietary hyper DSD DAC yet.

Quite true -> I am now finishing a new basic system design with USB, SPDIF, LVDS (I2S) and analog inputs. Analog and LVDS (I2S) outputs. All digital inputs, outputs and clocks are galvanically isolated. Synchronous clocking with multiple Master clock frequencies. JFET analog inputs and outputs with analog volume control. Both a true analog preamp design (also JFET RIAA) and a mixed analog / digital design with PCM and DSD ADCs.

The DAC sections are modular with separate replacable and selectable DAC modules.
The proprietary DSD/PCM DACs are under re-design to implement new options and also Thunderbolt (optic), PCIe (galvanic isolated) and Gigabit ethernet inputs / outputs / connections will be implemented and evaluated... Time alone will reveal the final results and I have no other deadline than my own curiosity.... And as "curiosity killed the cat" -> I have no hurry other than listening to the accumulating revisions...

[Bunpei]

Hi, Raymond,

Your goals seem to be boosted and rocketed sky-high.
I felt as if you were living in your dRaydream.
I wish you have a happy audiophile life!

Bunpei

[AR2]

Raymond,
do you use Scientific Conversion transformers for your galvanic isolations?