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New FIFO buffer for RPI/SBCs

Apparently it only provides up to 0A5 and the Katnana requires 0A7.

Actually, I was thinking of ...

Module A: none
Module B: 5V / 2A for the RPi
Module C: LT3045 x2 for the controller + OpAmp (1A total but no headroom)
Module D: LT3045 5V 500mA for the Katana

Probably a moot point anyway, as I don't think the boards can be powered up via the RPi. However, the voltage regulators are available separately, including 15V 500mA, so it may be possible to have a 3x or even 4x PSU for a reasonable cost.

They sell via eBay as well, so have sent another message...
 
Received message back...

From: alexey.ivanov
To: smoothquark
Subject: Re: Other: smoothquark sent a message about Ultra Low Noise Multi-Rail Power supply for Raspberry Pi, Mezzanine Power board #253612084593
Sent date: 04-Aug-18 16:37:35 BST

Dear smoothquark,

To power Katane you need different version (can be purchased from Web)

Module A (Pre-regulator)
Modile B (PI Power upto 2A)
Module C1+C2 (dual LT3045 5V upto 1A To power Controller + OPAMP board)
Module E (single LT3045 5V upto 0.5A To power Katana)

Katana switches need to be configured for KATANA + RPI
So, Looks hopeful!
 
Received message back...

From: alexey.ivanov
To: smoothquark
Subject: Re: Other: smoothquark sent a message about Ultra Low Noise Multi-Rail Power supply for Raspberry Pi, Mezzanine Power board #253612084593
Sent date: 04-Aug-18 16:37:35 BST

Dear smoothquark,

To power Katane you need different version (can be purchased from Web)

Module A (Pre-regulator)
Modile B (PI Power upto 2A)
Module C1+C2 (dual LT3045 5V upto 1A To power Controller + OPAMP board)
Module E (single LT3045 5V upto 0.5A To power Katana)

Katana switches need to be configured for KATANA + RPI
So, Looks hopeful!

While I get how you could power the RPI and the HAT board immediately above it with this board via the GPIO connector, I don't understand how you can power the other boards in the stack?
 
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Would not suggest using XLR, since ESS dacs require very careful unbalancing and analog filtering to minimize distortion. Better to take unbalanced output and re-balance it if the best quality of balanced output is wanted. This is true even though the ESS evaluation boards don't bother to do it the best way and set a poor example.

A bit disappointing if Mark is right. Anyone care to challenge this?
 
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Joined 2007
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While I get how you could power the RPI and the HAT board immediately above it with this board via the GPIO connector, I don't understand how you can power the other boards in the stack?
Module D and E are connected to solder joints. So you can connect them to anything. If you order 5V for both modules, you might power parts of the stack.

In my case I 'll connect it to 1.8V and 3.3V of the Pi after having ripped off the Pi DCDC converter.
 
Today I listened to the updated Katana.

It's still my lab-setup - with 2 Anker batteries and USB power.
Speakers are pretty high resolution Adam A5X.

It's been playing since 2-3 days.


All I can say at this stage is that Allo has done a great job. :worship:

BTW. There's piCorePlayer 4.0 beta. It's coming with Katana support
and numerous tweaks and performance improvements. Highly recommended!

Katana+pcP4(+ some more tweaks from my side) make an awesome setup.

My setup sounds crystal clear, dynamic, spacy 3D, tonal colors are great.

To be honest. What more do I want!?!? :D

Let see what my main system with quality supplies is gonna sound like next week.

Great stuff.
 
Maybe Mark can tell us if take RCA from the katna to preamp and XLR to amp would help?

You should take the unbalanced out and run it though a balancing circuit like the one in the schematic below. A dual opamp such as LME49720 can work well for that type of circuit. Don't forget power supply bypass caps.
 

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Could I use the two 5V/2A output from HDPlex 200?
HDPLEX 200W Linear Power Supply Multi Rail Output

If so, with 2 PSU, I understand I should power the MicroController board and the raspberry PI, correct?

Thanks

You can also power the RPi and the Katana board via the battery connector.
Maybe power into the DAC board sounds better than power into the MC board.
Please compare.
Thanks

Matt
 
Hello to everyone.


has a long weekend and I had time to think a bit.


First , I have to say that I was never whats called a "golden ear"


Our min strength is been machine testing (noise THD+N etc) and less SQ testing (whatever that means).



Katana implementation is very good. On the analog stage our knowledge is not great.


So a lot of the implementation on analog is actually text book (and trust me thats not a very good thing)


So for now , we will stop selling Katanas until fully tests are completed on SQ with a panel of audiophiles on multiple systems.


We changed the low pass filter (the cutoff frequency was at 220Khz as per ess sabre datasheet, we changed to 92Khz as per most whitepapers). Some "harshness" on the top end was removed with a simple change of that capacitor



We are also implementing Rasmussen mods (basically a low pass filter before IV stage) and tinkering with everything until we get it right.


Anyone (including reviewers and people that bought a Katana ) will receive a free new upgraded version (of course) and some extra (like casings)



In conclusion , the whole team is working to bring Katana to the next level. We know that we have a good implementation of the IC , analog stage will fallow.


Thx you for your patience and trust.
 
Hello to everyone.


has a long weekend and I had time to think a bit.


First , I have to say that I was never whats called a "golden ear"


Our min strength is been machine testing (noise THD+N etc) and less SQ testing (whatever that means).



Katana implementation is very good. On the analog stage our knowledge is not great.


So a lot of the implementation on analog is actually text book (and trust me thats not a very good thing)


So for now , we will stop selling Katanas until fully tests are completed on SQ with a panel of audiophiles on multiple systems.


We changed the low pass filter (the cutoff frequency was at 220Khz as per ess sabre datasheet, we changed to 92Khz as per most whitepapers). Some "harshness" on the top end was removed with a simple change of that capacitor



We are also implementing Rasmussen mods (basically a low pass filter before IV stage) and tinkering with everything until we get it right.


Anyone (including reviewers and people that bought a Katana ) will receive a free new upgraded version (of course) and some extra (like casings)



In conclusion , the whole team is working to bring Katana to the next level. We know that we have a good implementation of the IC , analog stage will fallow.


Thx you for your patience and trust.
Dear cdsgames,

Why commercialize the product very early?

Im a bit disappointed because my product is in transit and I have to return it to be fixed.. am I going to send back my katana to its origin just to have it fixed?
 
Hi Marudo


no you wont have to send it back now. Katana works as advertised , we are just not happy with the level of SQ. Meanwhile keep and enjoy your Katana and we are working overtime to improve it. Once we do , we will send you a new unit and you can ship back your unit once you receive it.