Buffalo DAC (ESS Sabre 9008)

[cantskienuf]

And the finished product.

[Russ White]

Originally posted by glt



If I use an external bridge, can I connect it as such: http://picasaweb.google.com/bugandan...47167074331554 ?

It would work just fine, but a dual secondary transformer might get you a bit better result.

If you just want to use what you have, go for it.

Cheers!
Russ

[Russ White]

Originally posted by cantskienuf
And the finished product.

Very nice work!

Cheers!
Russ

[glt]

Originally posted by rolls


If you do it this way, you have a "normal" bipolar supply and the series resistor and the CMC are not working, but theses elements are important for filtering the common mode noise. Save your bipolar transformer for another project and buy a new one.
I have good experience with r-cores from AnalogMetric, R26-34 has 2x9V and 2x15V.

Actually I'm using this for a Hypex UCD amp. I'm replacing the on board feed for the input opamp supply which is unregulated with this supply which is regulated. The transformer for the amp has an extra secondary for low voltage but it is center tapped.

With this wiring I'm still using the CLR for the + and - legs. Would the choke filtering not work as such?

I'm waiting for placid/counterpoint to use in the buffalo which I'll build in the same case, then I will use the dual secondaries transformer.

Thanks for all the replies...

[mikelm]

The DAC is sounding exceptionally good but I have a problem:


I am getting crackling which is associated with the signal.

i.e. no signal: silent, with signal: crackling - spread evenly in left & right channels but always in dead centre.

SPDIF, all settings default, V output via transformers. Bal toUnbal

I will try USB soon to see if that is better but before that do you have any ideas what is causing this ?

I attach pictures

mike

[mikelm]

the crackling is constant when there is a signal - like a fire or frying pan. Not very loud - but clearly audible.

[Beefy]

Originally posted by mikelm
the crackling is constant when there is a signal - like a fire or frying pan. Not very loud - but clearly audible.

Mine does that for a couple of seconds after switching SPDIF source through an OTTO. I think it has to do with a SPDIF signal that is good enough to lock onto, but still relatively poor.

Do you have an alternative SPDIF source to try? Re-terminate and re-route your SPDIF wiring?

[mikelm]

thanks beefy - I'm just trying SPDIF via USB module which seems to be TTL 3.3V cos it has just locked on D1 i/p of DAC . . . .

. . . . mmmmm seems to be better, clicking is gone

but it seems to sound different now ? ? ?

but still sound pretty good

[Russ White]

Originally posted by mikelm
thanks beefy - I'm just trying SPDIF via USB module which seems to be TTL 3.3V cos it has just locked on D1 i/p of DAC . . . .

. . . . mmmmm seems to be better, clicking is gone

but it seems to sound different now ? ? ?

but still sound pretty good

Ah yes, that makes sense.

When using TTL level SPDIF you should not use the comparator input, but instead open the SPDIF switch and wire the SPDIF into D1.

Don't forget to open the SPDIF switch.

Cheers!
Russ

[mikelm]

I begin to see that each configuration is going to have it's own "sound"

1) Pioneer universal player SPDIF out into DAC SPDIF in - I really like this sound apart from the clicking - it sounded very analogue - I wonder what I have to do to get this mode working properly ? I need this mode to play movies !

2) USB module in SPDIF mode into D1 i/p sounded more detailed but a bit rough - didn't like that.

I wonder if the USB module would sound better with it's own supply ?

3) USB module in SPDIF mode into DAC SPDIF i/p - sounds best so far on balance - not as nice as 1 but better than 2 and no clicking

- oh Russ just say - should not use this mode - will it damage anything Russ ?


next I try USB via I2S . . .