$100 budget for output of Buff II

[nightanole]

So i need an SE output. It will be buffered via the dcb1 so your looking at a 10-20k load. What should i go with? It seems all the pear outputs use an opamp for the Se outputs. I could go with a tube gain stage but i have zero info on how to do that with a balanced current out. It would be nice if i could do it with just some transformers but would like to get around 1.4vrms for the output.

 

[merlin el mago]

Why don't try the Legato + Balsie balanced to unbalanced?

 

[nightanole]

the legato includes the balsie to convert the balanced to unbalanced. It still uses an opamp for the conversion. And the legato has smt caps in the audio path. I was trying to find a way to get unbalanced out without resorting to opamps.

 

[BrianDonegan]

the legato includes the balsie to convert the balanced to unbalanced. It still uses an opamp for the conversion. And the legato has smt caps in the audio path. I was trying to find a way to get unbalanced out without resorting to opamps.

There are no SMD parts on the Legato at all.

We are about to release the new Ventus, which is a discrete balance->single-ended converter with a hefty buffer. The LME49600 it uses is not an op amp, but a diamond buffer in a single, highly matched and thermally coupled package.

EDIT: There are no SMD caps on any of our output stages. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with SMD caps in the first place...

 

[nightanole]

Sorry i didnt mean smt(nothing wrong with ceramics), i meant the cap coupling C5-C8 on the legato. Im trying to keep the cap coupling down to 1 or less in the signal path. My tube and tripath amp need caps due to their design.

 

[nightanole]

Dumb question. All i need is a buff II, volumite, ventus, and power supply? I can connect the buff II directly to the ventus?

 

[BrianDonegan]

Dumb question. All i need is a buff II, volumite, ventus, and power supply? I can connect the buff II directly to the ventus?

You can, but you will get better performance from the Buffalo if you use a proper I/V stage first. If budget is you goal, direct to Ventus will work.

 

[nightanole]

I take it the buff II is running it voltage mode with the ventus and current mode with the legato?

Would my money be better spent on an opus then since i will only be running in SE mode? I know the buff II is the end all be all, but if its just because of its balanced features Id rather get a proper SE setup. the wolf 8741 is no slouch so i wonder if it would sound better in SE mode then the buff II.