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Buffalo DAC (ESS Sabre 9008)

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#1,222
woodturner-fran said:



I don't feel as if I've given a good description of what I've heard with the AVCC circuit done. I mean, its not a huge jump, but it is certainly audible. Its probably a case of adding super regulators adds 5%, adding AVCC adds 5%, flat layout adds 2%, and so on, which in cumulative terms adds up to a fairly big difference.


I don't know about %s but for me it has to do with qulaity of hf, lf, pace and resolution.

With Vref using 100 uF OSCON, there was improvement but freq balance was not 100% right for me.

Very strange, increasing capacitance to 220 uF with the OSCON removed and Black Gate FG fitted (bypassed with 0.15 uF Wima Black Box), the sound improved significantly and much more listenable in terms of hf lf balance and sound staging. There is also a 'quietness' to the background. I normally reserve my BG FKs for coupling where they are vastly superior to most.

My ears? The Nerw Year? What? Lowering corner frequency to below 0.8Hz?

Russ

May be you should consider a high qaulity supply version of the new Ess 9018 board with dc protection for the Ivy. It's on my wish list.
Click to expand...
 
#1,224
Hi Russ, Brian and all DIYers.

I've been following this thread for a while now, having built myself a pair of Linkwitz Pluto active speakers I need a nice DAC (just using analogue outputs of Asus Xonar D2X at the moment) to build and the Buffalo looks like the best candidate.

Just a couple of questions:

1) does the Buffalo on sale now incorporate the recent VREF mod?

2) any news on Counterpoint/Placid availability/pricing?

Thanks.
 
#1,225
1) does the Buffalo on sale now incorporate the recent VREF mod?
Click to expand...

No, that's a custom DIY mod. The Buffalos on sale now are the same as the last batch, version 1.2 (really just the end of the same batch).

2) any news on Counterpoint/Placid availability/pricing?
Click to expand...

Not yet, but we shoudl have at least more information soon. We will be ordering a new round of boards soon, and if they check out, they will be for sale. As for a timeframe, we need to order them, built and test them, then build kits, so it will be a little while. Since the circuits are not yet final, not to mention final part selection based on testing, we have no pricing yet.
 
#1,226
Russ White said:



Absolutely. I actually think that would be another worthwhile mod.

There is a trace on the top side that runs to C2 from X2. You would have to cut that trace.

Then you could apply the PS accross C4.

You would then have an isolated low noise supply for the master clock.

...
Russ
Click to expand...

Russ, is it possible to get a preferred BOM for the circuit in post 1098?. Also, what is the function of CBP?...Many thanks.
 
#1,227
glt said:


Russ, is it possible to get a preferred BOM for the circuit in post 1098?. Also, what is the function of CBP?...Many thanks.
Click to expand...


Sure, but I need some data first.

How much current will you need to supply and at what voltage drop?

If I know the input and output voltage along with your approximate current draw I will work something up for you.

CBP is a bypass cap for the opamp.

The opamp should be a good low noise type. A good inexpensive choice would be OPA227 or one of the single national opamps related to the LM4562.

Cheers!
Russ
 
#1,229
Russ White said:



The opamp should be a good low noise type. A good inexpensive choice would be OPA227 or one of the single national opamps related to the LM4562.
Click to expand...


It seems that AD797 has lower noise than those mentioned above.

Now, AD797 has much lower noise than LME49720 used for IC3 in Buffalo. However, unlike LME49720, AD797 cannot accept capacitive load.
Is that correct?
Is LME49720 the lowest noise opamp that can accept capacitive load?
 
#1,232
Press Release from ESS

ESS Technology Announces Sabre32 Reference DAC – World’s Best 32-bit Audio D/A Converter with 135dB Dynamic Range
2009 International CES

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ESS Technology, a leading provider of high performance audio/video solutions, today announced the addition of two new Sabre32 Reference 32-bit Audio DAC parts to its Vista™ family of high-definition audiovisual product line.

The Sabre32 Reference DAC is an enhancement to the original Sabre Reference DAC that has taken the audio world by storm since its introduction in January 2008, through its superior performance and jitter-free sound clarity made possible by the ESS patented Hyperstream™ architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator.

Using an enhanced 32-bit Hyperstream™ architecture, the Sabre32 Reference DAC further extends the original Sabre Reference’s from 24-bit to 32-bit music and raises its mind-boggling performance even higher to 135dB dynamic range and -120dB THD.

The Sabre32 Reference DAC is available in two versions – the ES9018 8-channel DAC supports mono, stereo, 4- and 8-channel output modes, while the ES9012 2-channel DAC supports stereo output. Each part integrates an all-digital SPDIF receiver, supports digital audio in PCM or DSD formats, features click-free soft mute, volume control, de-emphasis, zero detect, customizable filter characteristics and consumes less than 100mW.

Robert Wong, vice-president of marketing and worldwide sales for ESS Technology, said, “The Sabre32 Reference DAC is a perfect companion for the emerging 32-bit audio content generated by music studios and DSP up-conversion. Together with other ESS Sabre32 and Sabre ADCs and DACs, audio enthusiasts can now enjoy music with performance never before possible. It is simply stunning.”

Both the ES9018 Sabre32 Reference 8-channel DAC and the ES9012 Sabre32 Reference Stereo DAC are sampling in 64-LQFP package and priced at $39 in quantities of 1000.
 
#1,234
neb001 said:
Russ, since they've announced it, can you shed some light on your experiences with the new chip?
Click to expand...


I have been asked to hold off on specific details until Friday. I will honor that request.

But what I can do is draw your attention to one very very cool feature exposed in the press release.

customizable filter characteristics
Click to expand...

This is not just out of band. 🙂 Can you say "DCX killer?"

Cheers!
Russ
 
#1,236
Joshua_G said:
Russ, As for the various opamps discussed, how come they accept capacitive load when their data sheets say the opposite?
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I am not sure why you are asking me. 🙂 All I know is that they work fine, and are stable with no oscillation. 🙂

This is one area where on the Buffalo design I relied on the design testing ESS had already done. I too was worried about the capacitive load until I tested it.

Cheers!
Russ
 
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