Buffalo III - flexibility without compromise.

[Takaji]

Originally Posted by Corpius

Would it be possible or harmful to remove the IC with the onboard firmware (multiple times) and fiddle a bit around with the external controller and put it back again when things turn out not to be working as intended?

The way that the HiFiDUINO works is that you remove the TPA BIII firmware chip, so that control is now handled by the Arduino. You can always disconnect the HiFiDUINO and re-add the original TPA chip. I even tried using both at the same time (by accident, in the initial stages) and all that happened was buggy control. You won't damage anything, to my knowledge.

Originally Posted by ccclapp

1) are you willing to do some hand-holding?
2) if so a separate thread might be good. You could start one or add to mine on the topic here...
B-III: Remote control / lots of inputs / 8-ch volume??? - Buffalo DAC - Twisted Pear Audio Support
3) how hard is it to add additional sources to biii/exa? Does it require programming if manual switching/volume?
4) I'm happy to pay for your assistance and also to write up the process as a guide for others, if either helps motivate you to help

1. I can definitely provide assistance where it's needed.
2. I can add to your thread if you wish.
3. The way I am doing it is using the exaU2I USB to I2S converter, which takes up 5 out of 8 of the BIII input lines. That allows for 3 more input lines, which in my care are coming from S/PDIF, AES/EBU, and TOSLINK (I doubt I'll ever use AES/EBU but whatever, might as well make it an option just in case) - those 3 inputs are coming from the TPA S/PDIF switcher board. The HiFiDUINO controls which input to use. You would switch them via a control knob on the front panel, and the same knob controls volume.
4. Happy to help where I can! PM me if you need additional assistance or link me to where you posted a question. I am by no means the expert but will try my best.

[necplusultra]

Getting ready to start the BIII build.


quick and possibly stupid question:

What XLR connectors are used on the BIII, male or female?

more specifically:

What is the industry connection standard for balanced output XLR devices: male or female?

I presume the balanced input device will be oposite of output device.

[necplusultra]

found my answer

In general, for audio connections male connectors are used for an output and female connectors are used for the input.

[Corpius]

Originally Posted by LeonvB

There is no need for that: if you really want to see the changes, run DiffPDF over the version you currently have and the new version you downloaded.

Smart indeed.

[Corpius]

Originally Posted by Takaji

The way that the HiFiDUINO works is that you remove the TPA BIII firmware chip, so that control is now handled by the Arduino. You can always disconnect the HiFiDUINO and re-add the original TPA chip. I even tried using both at the same time (by accident, in the initial stages) and all that happened was buggy control. You won't damage anything, to my knowledge.

Thanks that's what I needed hear. Or read

[ccclapp]

Originally Posted by Takaji

1. I can definitely provide assistance where it's needed.
2. I can add to your thread if you wish.
3. The way I am doing it is using the exaU2I USB to I2S converter, which takes up 5 out of 8 of the BIII input lines. That allows for 3 more input lines, which in my care are coming from S/PDIF, AES/EBU, and TOSLINK (I doubt I'll ever use AES/EBU but whatever, might as well make it an option just in case) - those 3 inputs are coming from the TPA S/PDIF switcher board. The HiFiDUINO controls which input to use. You would switch them via a control knob on the front panel, and the same knob controls volume.
4. Happy to help where I can! PM me if you need additional assistance or link me to where you posted a question. I am by no means the expert but will try my best.

Fabulous, thanks!

I'll do a little more reading and then be in touch...

[barrows]

Hi folks, quick question: can the B-III IIR low pass filter (for DSD) be engaged with playback of PCM sources, and be effective?
I ask because a specific music server combination is capable of playing DSD files converted on the fly to PCM, but does not provide the necessary low pass filter for DSD-so I would like to be able to use the ESS' IIR filter.

thanks for any help.

[c12mech]

I'm about to do a couple of these, one for myself and one for someone else. Both will have 4 input S/PDIF and IVY III output. I just want to know if the Sidecar is needed if there will be no PCM or DSD. Thanks, Bryant

[LeonvB]

The Sidecar is an add-on for those that do want PCM or DSD next to S/PDIF input(s), so no: it is not needed.

[c12mech]

Is there any way to add a hi bit rate async usb input. Or is the only option the usb board and Metronome? Also, is there any merit to what I have read about using Salas shunt regs for the power supplies?