ESS Sabre Reference DAC (8-channel)

[Dougie085]

In less the 1000 qty?

[Russ White]

Originally posted by Dougie085
In less the 1000 qty?

Well just an answer back would be progress. Lets hope for an affirmative on that one.

[Dougie085]

Very true.

[xaudiox]

got reply from Bryan.

2 Channel Eval board - $350
ES9008 chip - $47.90 each min order 5pcs.

[Dougie085]

Yikes even more then was mentioned before. And 5 pieces...better but still a lot.

[Russ White]

Done deal, getting 5.

Hopefully the prices drop.

Cheers!
Russ

[Variac]

Can't wait for a report Russ...

[Russ White]

Dustin, I am trying to download the datasheet again. Did you know that the link to the ES9008 datasheet does not work any more?

I need to double check my PCB.

Help!

Thanks!
Russ

[rossl]

Originally posted by hirez69
Hi Ross
Can you explain the differences between the various versions?

Stereo Reference Board
8 Ch Reference Board - Current Mode
8 Ch Reference Board - Voltage Mode
Have you set up your 8ch version to "stereo quad-differential" mode?

Thank you

Hi hirez69,
I don't have the 8 channel demo board. It has 8 op-amp sections and connectors for all 8 channels.

Each of the 8 channels is differential with a + and - output pin from the Sabre 8.

The stereo board I have is configured to sum 4 channels for each of the left and right. I have the stereo I2S signal input on all 4 inputs. Since the channels are differential, the 4 + outputs for each channel are summed as are the 4 - outputs for each channel. Those drive the + and - inputs to the transformer primary for that channel.

If you do a search I'm sure you will find many articles on the benefits on summing the outputs of multiple DACs.

You probably shouldn't try using transformers if you are doing an 8 channel version. The output impedance of an individual channel isn't low enough. The cost would be very high.

Current mode with an op-amp configured for I-V conversion would be ideal for 8 channel mode. 8-channel voltage mode with the op-amp configured as a diff amp would save some parts cost in the output stage.

[Russ White]

Ok, what gives?

For a month or more the datasheet has been publicly available here:

http://www.esstech.com/techsupp/ES9008_DataSheet.pdf

and even publicly linked to in articles like this:
http://www.eeproductcenter.com/analo...leID=205601188

But now, when I can actually buy the chip, I can't get the blimey datasheet from ESS without an NDA or something?

HEY ESS!!! ITS ALREADY DISCLOSED!!!!

I would be grateful if someone could please email me a copy.

Cheers!
Russ