BrianDonegan said:
Thanks for the update, Brian. I have some (biochemistry) exams coming up anyway, so it might not be the best time for me to start a build.
I think I might as well wait for all the boards to be ready. Who knows - maybe you'll have a Sabre32 board by then! I just hope I can avoid spending any money - all this is going to get expensive (unless the Dollar/Sterling rate improves in my favour).
I know that 2 Counterpoints are needed - one for each channel - and that each of those needs a Placid. Can the LCDPS also be replaced by a Placid?
What changes will be implemented on the next version (1.3? 2.0?) of the Buffalo?
Russ,
When will you start selling kits based on the new Sabre32 chip?
Another question:
Is there any easy way to control the volume from your dacs or volumite using a PC (through USB)?
Today I use a Lynx Two B soundcard in a HTPC which is connected directly to 6 Icepower Amps. I use J River Mediacenter as the mediaplayer. I have speakers all over the house and switch from room to room using relays on the AMP outputs. This system is controlled by a PDA using Girder and Netremote (http://www.promixis.com/). The PDA can be used to control the music, the location and the volume among many other things. In order to use an external DAC I need a way to control the volume by the computer.
One dirty way of doing this is to connect a Phigets servo directly to the volume nob on the Volumite. The Phidgets are connected by USB and really easy to control by a PC. However I was hoping for nicer solution.
When will you start selling kits based on the new Sabre32 chip?
Another question:
Is there any easy way to control the volume from your dacs or volumite using a PC (through USB)?
Today I use a Lynx Two B soundcard in a HTPC which is connected directly to 6 Icepower Amps. I use J River Mediacenter as the mediaplayer. I have speakers all over the house and switch from room to room using relays on the AMP outputs. This system is controlled by a PDA using Girder and Netremote (http://www.promixis.com/). The PDA can be used to control the music, the location and the volume among many other things. In order to use an external DAC I need a way to control the volume by the computer.
One dirty way of doing this is to connect a Phigets servo directly to the volume nob on the Volumite. The Phidgets are connected by USB and really easy to control by a PC. However I was hoping for nicer solution.
ADC Press Release
ESS Technology Announces Sabre32 Reference ADC World’s First 32-bit Audio A/D Converter with -120dB THD
2009 International CES
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ESS Technology, a leading provider of high performance audio/video solutions, today announced the addition of the Sabre32 Reference Audio ADC to its Vista™ family of high-definition audiovisual product line.
The Sabre32 Reference Stereo DAC is the world’s first 32-bit stereo analog-to-digital (A/D) converter targeted for consumer applications such as audio pre-amplifiers, audio processors, A/V receivers and professional audio applications such as recording systems, mixer consoles and digital audio workstations.
Using the ESS patented Hyperstream™ ADC architecture with a 32-bit decimation filter, the Sabre32 Reference ADC delivers an unprecedented THD of -120dB, the industry’s highest performance level that will satisfy the most demanding audio enthusiasts. The Sabre32 Reference supports I2S output with full 32-bit resolution, as well as SPDIF output. In addition, the Sabre32 Reference integrates a digital high-pass filter for DC removal, supports output sampling rates up to 200kHz and consumes less than 50mW.
For 24-bit applications, ESS is also offering the Sabre Reference Stereo ADC that delivers a THD of -115dB.
Robert Wong, vice-president of marketing and worldwide sales for ESS Technology, said, “The ESS Sabre32 and Sabre ADCs will quickly become the new benchmarks against which all other audio ADCs will be compared. Together with the Sabre32 and Sabre DACs, ESS has raised audio converter performance to a level never before possible, setting a new Gold Standard of excellence for the audio world.”
The Sabre32 Reference 32-bit Stereo Audio ADC will be sampling in April 2009 in 28-TSSOP package and priced at $29 in quantities of 1000.
ESS Technology Announces Sabre32 Reference ADC World’s First 32-bit Audio A/D Converter with -120dB THD
2009 International CES
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ESS Technology, a leading provider of high performance audio/video solutions, today announced the addition of the Sabre32 Reference Audio ADC to its Vista™ family of high-definition audiovisual product line.
The Sabre32 Reference Stereo DAC is the world’s first 32-bit stereo analog-to-digital (A/D) converter targeted for consumer applications such as audio pre-amplifiers, audio processors, A/V receivers and professional audio applications such as recording systems, mixer consoles and digital audio workstations.
Using the ESS patented Hyperstream™ ADC architecture with a 32-bit decimation filter, the Sabre32 Reference ADC delivers an unprecedented THD of -120dB, the industry’s highest performance level that will satisfy the most demanding audio enthusiasts. The Sabre32 Reference supports I2S output with full 32-bit resolution, as well as SPDIF output. In addition, the Sabre32 Reference integrates a digital high-pass filter for DC removal, supports output sampling rates up to 200kHz and consumes less than 50mW.
For 24-bit applications, ESS is also offering the Sabre Reference Stereo ADC that delivers a THD of -115dB.
Robert Wong, vice-president of marketing and worldwide sales for ESS Technology, said, “The ESS Sabre32 and Sabre ADCs will quickly become the new benchmarks against which all other audio ADCs will be compared. Together with the Sabre32 and Sabre DACs, ESS has raised audio converter performance to a level never before possible, setting a new Gold Standard of excellence for the audio world.”
The Sabre32 Reference 32-bit Stereo Audio ADC will be sampling in April 2009 in 28-TSSOP package and priced at $29 in quantities of 1000.
harruharru said:
1) When we have everything we need and we have tested any new stuff. 🙂 I really cannot give a firm date.
2) The easiest way would be to use a USB enabled microcontroller like our little Femto board. They even have audio endpoint libraries for it. So it would not be that hard to do. I (or you or someones else) would have to write firmware for that, but it is certainly very doable.
Buffalo Mod question
I'll be going over to ESS HQ soon to A/B compare my Buffalo/IVY with the prototype Sabre8. This will just be a simple listening test, nothing serious.
I have the Buffalo board from the second sale (where the famous web problems occurred), SN 100 I believe. I will be installing the VRef mod from post # 1073. Do you think I should do the mod discussed in post #1201 also? Any other modifications I should add before doing the comparison? To my 55 year-old ears the Buffalo sounds very, very good. I wonder how much improvement these mods will make. Are we near an auditory asymptote with the Buffalo/Sabre8?
RossG
I'll be going over to ESS HQ soon to A/B compare my Buffalo/IVY with the prototype Sabre8. This will just be a simple listening test, nothing serious.
I have the Buffalo board from the second sale (where the famous web problems occurred), SN 100 I believe. I will be installing the VRef mod from post # 1073. Do you think I should do the mod discussed in post #1201 also? Any other modifications I should add before doing the comparison? To my 55 year-old ears the Buffalo sounds very, very good. I wonder how much improvement these mods will make. Are we near an auditory asymptote with the Buffalo/Sabre8?
RossG
Hi Ross.
Well I would say the VREF mod is the most effective of the two. But if you have a suitable PS handy then there is no reason not to try powering the clock separately. I guess it just depends on how much your want to modify the board and how much time you have.
The current IVY (with C13-16 10nf and R17-20 jumpers) configuration is very strongly suggested.
Cheers!
Russ
Well I would say the VREF mod is the most effective of the two. But if you have a suitable PS handy then there is no reason not to try powering the clock separately. I guess it just depends on how much your want to modify the board and how much time you have.
The current IVY (with C13-16 10nf and R17-20 jumpers) configuration is very strongly suggested.
Cheers!
Russ
Joshua_G said:
Sure, some people do that.
I have done it myself. I would not say I noticed any big change, but some may like it better. I don't know. 🙂
Cheers!
Russ
Joshua_G said:
Sure I can see how that would follow, especially for single ended circuits, but practical experience tells me that the superb PSRR of the super symmetrical I/V stage will keep crosstalk at a minimum even with shared supplies. Especially regulated supplies. 🙂
But do what you like, there is no harm. If you like it better with a supply for each channel then that's great! 🙂
Cheers!
Russ
Russ White said:
Thanks. I already received the IVY mod caps from Digikey, still waiting for parts from Mouser for the VREF mod.
Regarding the other suggestion for separate supplies for the IVY, I don't think my ears would hear the difference. Although I did use separate transformers for the Sympatico amp. I think I went over board on the transformers though, each is 650VA and each weights 9 lbs.
Sorry for getting off topic. RossG
krgaunt said:
That's exactly what I use on each of my Sympatico monoblocks. At one time I was actually using two 1KVA trafos. 🙂
Second buffalo build went very smoothly tonight. Sure is a lot easier the second time round!
Russ/Brian - whats the story on setting that switch 3 low on the newer builds? Do I still need to do that? I'm getting lock and sound A1?
Fran
Russ/Brian - whats the story on setting that switch 3 low on the newer builds? Do I still need to do that? I'm getting lock and sound A1?
Fran
If its the current version (PCB version 1.2) then you can leave switch 3 high (which is the default when its open). Low is fine too. It just changes a register that even Dustin is not convinced has any significant effect. 🙂
Friday has arrived!
I have the green light to share the details I know. 🙂
Dustin has been very gracious to share these details with me, and I now share them with you with his permission.
I have to say the ESS has an excellent attitude toward DIY folks. It wonderful we get to play with such a fine DAC.
Here is what Dustin told me:
This is a new DAC that has many new features:
1. The Sabre32 has complete 32bit data path with 64bit MAC's
2. Each of the 8 channels has a completely programmable FIR filter. (meaning you can program all the 32-bit coefficients, to make an Eq or normalize a certain speakers freq-resp etc)
3. DPLL bandwidth can now go to as low as 1/64th of the Sabre8 for even better jitter rejection.
4. SPDIF receiver locks "instantly" on any DPLL BW setting no cracks and pops using lower DPLL BW settings.
5. Data1-Data8 can all be used as an SPDIF input under software control. (basically there is an 8 channel MUX in the chip)
6. I2S, DSD, SPDIF are all auto-detected now with no requirement for I2C control. (can shut off though if needed)
7. SPDIF input detects the deemphasis flag for both consumer and pro format and automatically uses the the deemphasis filter.
8. All of the SPDIF channel status data is able to be read over I2C
9. True Mono mode for someone who wants all 8 channels to be "bridged" also the chip can be programmed to use the left or right channel as the source.
10. Master trim for all channels at 32bit accuracy (channel independent volume is still 0.5dB per step)
11. Auto-mute look back control to set the external flag (auto-mute output pin) upon detection, but not ramp the volume control down. This allows for external mute without internal ramp.
That's the major stuff. 🙂 Thanks to Dustin for giving me the green light to share this information with you.
Here at Twisted Pear we have a couple new DAC modules on the way for Sabre32.
One module will be a "Tweaker's" board with only the necessities on the board and terminals for external supplies/clocks etc. This will be great for experimenting etc.
The other will be a complete fresh new design with features driven by the experience we gained from the Buffalo.
Cheers!
Russ
I have the green light to share the details I know. 🙂
Dustin has been very gracious to share these details with me, and I now share them with you with his permission.
I have to say the ESS has an excellent attitude toward DIY folks. It wonderful we get to play with such a fine DAC.
Here is what Dustin told me:
This is a new DAC that has many new features:
1. The Sabre32 has complete 32bit data path with 64bit MAC's
2. Each of the 8 channels has a completely programmable FIR filter. (meaning you can program all the 32-bit coefficients, to make an Eq or normalize a certain speakers freq-resp etc)
3. DPLL bandwidth can now go to as low as 1/64th of the Sabre8 for even better jitter rejection.
4. SPDIF receiver locks "instantly" on any DPLL BW setting no cracks and pops using lower DPLL BW settings.
5. Data1-Data8 can all be used as an SPDIF input under software control. (basically there is an 8 channel MUX in the chip)
6. I2S, DSD, SPDIF are all auto-detected now with no requirement for I2C control. (can shut off though if needed)
7. SPDIF input detects the deemphasis flag for both consumer and pro format and automatically uses the the deemphasis filter.
8. All of the SPDIF channel status data is able to be read over I2C
9. True Mono mode for someone who wants all 8 channels to be "bridged" also the chip can be programmed to use the left or right channel as the source.
10. Master trim for all channels at 32bit accuracy (channel independent volume is still 0.5dB per step)
11. Auto-mute look back control to set the external flag (auto-mute output pin) upon detection, but not ramp the volume control down. This allows for external mute without internal ramp.
That's the major stuff. 🙂 Thanks to Dustin for giving me the green light to share this information with you.
Here at Twisted Pear we have a couple new DAC modules on the way for Sabre32.
One module will be a "Tweaker's" board with only the necessities on the board and terminals for external supplies/clocks etc. This will be great for experimenting etc.
The other will be a complete fresh new design with features driven by the experience we gained from the Buffalo.
Cheers!
Russ
Joshua_G said:
I think the effect will be really small.
Not only does IVY have excellent PSRR (especially in balanced mode), it is also a good citizen - in balanced mode the current drain, to a very good approximation, is independent of the signal, so even a high impedance supply will be hardly modulated.
Wow????? An ESS Sabre ADC??? Is this what I've read?
SO GREAT NEEEEEWS!!!!
(sorry xD ).
I'm designing a kind of big soundcard. And that is good news! However the TI's part (don't remember the ref) is still very impressive. But... I don't know why I guess this chip is a killer. Again.
Wow. Champagne this evening!
SO GREAT NEEEEEWS!!!!
(sorry xD ).
I'm designing a kind of big soundcard. And that is good news! However the TI's part (don't remember the ref) is still very impressive. But... I don't know why I guess this chip is a killer. Again.
Wow. Champagne this evening!
Re: Friday has arrived!
Two thoughts:
1. The work that you guys at TP have done has no doubt furthered the market acceptance of the 9008 and our constructive feedback probably goes a long ways to promote the good graces we DIYers seem to enjoy at ESS. Thank you, Russ, Brian, Dustin and others who contribute here, for the generous DIY spirit that is not only productive but also contagious.
2. As someone who has implemented PC-based digital XOs and DRC in the sources for my DACs, on-chip FIR filters are particularly interesting. I'm not enthralled with currently-available 'enthusiast' software. Meanwhile, with filters in the DAC, DIY speaker building/development can get a whole lot more goof-proof! This means, of course, that a) we may want to re-think the "stereo" approach to I/V to more easily (or economically?) handle additional channels, and b) those of us who are I2S-noobs (or just "challenged") will be looking for a front-end to control each of those channels. Could the TP 'Audio Controller' line be expanded to handle these kinds of tasks?
What kinds of implementations of the FIR filters are in the minds of the TP wizards??? 😀 😀
All the best!
Frank
Russ White said:
Two thoughts:
1. The work that you guys at TP have done has no doubt furthered the market acceptance of the 9008 and our constructive feedback probably goes a long ways to promote the good graces we DIYers seem to enjoy at ESS. Thank you, Russ, Brian, Dustin and others who contribute here, for the generous DIY spirit that is not only productive but also contagious.
2. As someone who has implemented PC-based digital XOs and DRC in the sources for my DACs, on-chip FIR filters are particularly interesting. I'm not enthralled with currently-available 'enthusiast' software. Meanwhile, with filters in the DAC, DIY speaker building/development can get a whole lot more goof-proof! This means, of course, that a) we may want to re-think the "stereo" approach to I/V to more easily (or economically?) handle additional channels, and b) those of us who are I2S-noobs (or just "challenged") will be looking for a front-end to control each of those channels. Could the TP 'Audio Controller' line be expanded to handle these kinds of tasks?
What kinds of implementations of the FIR filters are in the minds of the TP wizards??? 😀 😀
All the best!
Frank
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