Well, you have one I2S source and if you add an exaU2I to the mix you will need to switch between I2S sources somehow. You can use one or the other.
Then you need to decide on crossover software. Are you going to use a VST plug-in like Allocator? If yes you need a VST host. I have a demo setup described here.
Are you going to be using 3-way or 4-way speakers? If you have "a Buf32s" than I assume you have a 2 channel DAC. For a 3 way system you need total of 3 Buffalo II DACs.
Native dsd playback from WinXP PC using the exaU2I
Hi Flemming,
Finally I've managed to get back to my office and to experiment with your proof-of-concept DSD player. Actually it works great! I enjoyed the full glory of the DFF downloads from 2L. Thank you for pioneering this exciting development.
My next step is to research the possibilities for creating a user friendly solution for DSD playback. Any feedback is welcome.
exa065
Hi Flemming,
Finally I've managed to get back to my office and to experiment with your proof-of-concept DSD player. Actually it works great! I enjoyed the full glory of the DFF downloads from 2L. Thank you for pioneering this exciting development.
My next step is to research the possibilities for creating a user friendly solution for DSD playback. Any feedback is welcome.
exa065
it means that the sabre 901X series dacs do not have an internal i2s mux, only spdif sources can be switched using only the dac and its mcu. if you have 2 i2s sources connected at once they will just play over each other, as with i2s and spdif. you need an external way of switching between the 2 sources and the output of that switch is connected to the dac. you can use something as simple as a couple of relays, or you can do it by fully software driven means.
Ok yes thank you I do understand what you are saying but what connection or relevance does that have with using the exa21 as an electronic x-over? Don't I need to just come out of the exa21 to 2 different dacs one for the high pass filter one for the low pass filter assuming a 2 way?
I think there was an assumption from your post that you wanted to continue using the Juli@, which led to the discussion about source switching. Just ignore that bit and pay attention to the questions about x-over software.
Here is your minimal configuration:
- Multichannel I2S source: Juli@ or exaU2i
- Two Buffalo II DACs for a two-way system.
- Software crossover to split 2 channel source into four output channels
- Player or VST host, or the combination of the two to host the crossover
Not yet, but the B-II is no longer available. I think we will start pre-orders in a couple weeks.
so its a matter of feeding the 8 x dsd pins discretely, or the 4 x stereo pcm channels yes? (aside from spdif of course)
Just supply the DSD Data_clock and DSD data lines to the input header. Termination is already there.
If you are using fewer than 8-channels, you can join DSD inputs via jumpers under the board as needed. Same for PCM input.
No I'm ok now. I use cplay which can use a vst. Just wanted to confirm that I would need the exaU21 and another Buf32s. Thanks
I am very interested in learning more about your exa tweaks. I cannot tell where you cut the traces on the exa board (from your pics)
so that you could supply LiFepo4 power to it. Can you say more about it please? I have a juli@ powered by 3 LiFepo4's and and a Buf32s powered by 3 LiFePo4's (all into the digital ps) so if I get an Exa I could do this too. Based on this thread I am very interested in the ExaU21 for a straight Juli@ replacement then to use eventually in conjunction with a digital crossover.
I run cplay/cmp.
The last change I did to the exaU2I was a 5 volt JFET regulator for the USB parts that was optimized for 6.6 volt input (LiFepo4 *2).
The 5 volt are normally feeding the 3.3 and 1.2 volt regulators.
This connection was cut and the 3.3 volt regulator was bypassed so a LiFepo4 battery could drive the 3.3 volt line directly and feed the 1.2 volt regulator, a reconnecting of the 1.2 volt regulator input are needed.
The GMRs was supplied with a third LiFepo4 3.3 volt source.
You will easily find the 5 volt trace coming from the USB 5 pin connector as it goes directly to a through hole (large) connection between the two PCBs.
I cut the USB 5 volt between those two locations.
On the lower (main) PCB I cut the 5 volt after the decoupling capacitor close to the through hole connection.
The picture does not show all the decoupling capacitors as some of them are located under the PCB.
The exaU2I in the picture had the three LiFepo4 inputs / connections labeled for easy connection / setup due to it was about to be sent to Bulgaria..
PS! In my setup I do not use LiFepo4 anymore as I use JFET regulators and a extremely good linear power supply that outperforms the LiFepo4..
But this is a "cost no object" setup and not available to any other than me...
