Well the Buffalo is about as simple as it comes. The inputs go directly into the Sabre chip, and the outputs come directly out of the chip as well. The Buffalo board provides the supporting stuff like low phase noise clock, power supplies and microcontroller to set up the Sabre for various modes. So you can consider the Buffalo to be basically a Sabre chip with high quality support.
Now the Sabre chip gives you balanced outputs, so if you want to connect a tube gain stage then you either need (a) a tube stage that accepts a balanced input or (b) a balanced to single ended convertor (eg IVY -This also does current to voltage (IV) conversion.)
Now if you go for option (b) then there is simply no point in putting a tube gain stage after that, as it already has enough voltage to drive any power amp.
I went for option (a) and used the Broskie Unbalancer board, which is a differential stage that accepts the balanced output of the Sabre chip followed by a balanced to single-ended Broskie Cathode Follower.
Now the Sabre chip gives you balanced outputs, so if you want to connect a tube gain stage then you either need (a) a tube stage that accepts a balanced input or (b) a balanced to single ended convertor (eg IVY -This also does current to voltage (IV) conversion.)
Now if you go for option (b) then there is simply no point in putting a tube gain stage after that, as it already has enough voltage to drive any power amp.
I went for option (a) and used the Broskie Unbalancer board, which is a differential stage that accepts the balanced output of the Sabre chip followed by a balanced to single-ended Broskie Cathode Follower.
Thanks for the explanation. I had a look at the Broskie Cathode Follower and in spite it is something to change the balanced to SE, you are also eliminating your own designed gain stage no? For example, my existing pre-dac has a preamplifier directly driving the dac board. If I stick the Broskie kit in there, I'm effectively eliminating my preamplifier section right? OR am I adding another 4 tubes, more parts, etc.?
Thanks!
It might be better to move this discussion to the Tube Output Stage for Buffalo thread. I don't want to tread on TP's toes 😉
But let me answer this (maybe if you want to post more, go to the thread)
Not sure what you mean here. The Unbalancer board contains a differential (balanced) gain stage that also does IV conversion (although this is somewhat disputed). It also has a Broskie Cathode Follower (BCF).
Now I am not sure what you want to build exactly, but the idea of using a Buffalo III is good - they sound awesome. I was just pointing out what is possible (ie use Unbalancer board) and what isn't (use Aikido board).
It would be possible to just use a BCF (ie forget the gain stage) but that might not give you quite enough output. But you could use the BCF and then an aikido.
Personally, I don't need anything but digital inputs, so what I built is just fine for me. But if you have other analog inputs then you may need another solution.
But let me answer this (maybe if you want to post more, go to the thread)
Not sure what you mean here. The Unbalancer board contains a differential (balanced) gain stage that also does IV conversion (although this is somewhat disputed). It also has a Broskie Cathode Follower (BCF).
Now I am not sure what you want to build exactly, but the idea of using a Buffalo III is good - they sound awesome. I was just pointing out what is possible (ie use Unbalancer board) and what isn't (use Aikido board).
It would be possible to just use a BCF (ie forget the gain stage) but that might not give you quite enough output. But you could use the BCF and then an aikido.
Personally, I don't need anything but digital inputs, so what I built is just fine for me. But if you have other analog inputs then you may need another solution.
Hi,
We'll I'm in the club! Got my BIII order entered in the latest round.
Just read this full thread. Thanks Leon for your great integration guide.
I would like to encourage development of the 8 channel USB interface. I know it will be a while. I will build it 2 channel for now but ultimately need 8 channels to use with Bodzio's Ultimate Equalizer software.
We'll I'm in the club! Got my BIII order entered in the latest round.
Just read this full thread. Thanks Leon for your great integration guide.
I would like to encourage development of the 8 channel USB interface. I know it will be a while. I will build it 2 channel for now but ultimately need 8 channels to use with Bodzio's Ultimate Equalizer software.
Thanks again, I've just uploaded a new version. This time a few new parts are added:
- Single S/PDIF level converter
- Teleporter
- Metronome
I know the last one is hardly new, but it's a likely companion for the Teleporter in case one is modding a CD player.
Also, Russ and Brian came up with a new resistor combination suitable for AES/EBU signals on the S/PDIF converters (V1.1). Plus a few minor changes were made.
- Single S/PDIF level converter
- Teleporter
- Metronome
I know the last one is hardly new, but it's a likely companion for the Teleporter in case one is modding a CD player.
Also, Russ and Brian came up with a new resistor combination suitable for AES/EBU signals on the S/PDIF converters (V1.1). Plus a few minor changes were made.
Hi, Folks
B3 in Dual Mono ...
Is it possible to control the volume of each board seperately?
(I have read the thread and haven't found an answer to the above.)
Thanks.
B3 in Dual Mono ...
Is it possible to control the volume of each board seperately?
(I have read the thread and haven't found an answer to the above.)
Thanks.
Hi Russ, Hi LeonvB,
I'm close to complete my dual mono Buffalo III DAC with one Logato.
I think Buffalo-III Integration Guide is quite explicit but not enough for all users of these diy kits, especially beginners.
I have some questions:
1. for dual mono configuration the 4-position rotary switch connects to the both Buffalo's I/O expasion header with four wire connector, in parallel?
2. when Sidecar module is plugged between the S/PDIF-4 Input Board and BIII, Sidecar module needs to be fed 5.25V separately from Placid HD or is powered by ribbon cable from BIII?
3. from Sidecar module where must by connect "B" to 4-position rotary switch to command I2S input?
I prefer an assembly diagram for dual mono configuration including accessories for BIII( 4-position rotary switch, Sidecar, S/PDIF-4 Input Board).
Thank you!
I'm close to complete my dual mono Buffalo III DAC with one Logato.
I think Buffalo-III Integration Guide is quite explicit but not enough for all users of these diy kits, especially beginners.
I have some questions:
1. for dual mono configuration the 4-position rotary switch connects to the both Buffalo's I/O expasion header with four wire connector, in parallel?
2. when Sidecar module is plugged between the S/PDIF-4 Input Board and BIII, Sidecar module needs to be fed 5.25V separately from Placid HD or is powered by ribbon cable from BIII?
3. from Sidecar module where must by connect "B" to 4-position rotary switch to command I2S input?
I prefer an assembly diagram for dual mono configuration including accessories for BIII( 4-position rotary switch, Sidecar, S/PDIF-4 Input Board).
Thank you!
DSD-I2S switching?
Yes, I read through the integration guide. It appears to me that there is no easy way to set up the B-III for DSD and I2S.
I want to build a B-III, and use have two inputs: I2S, and DSD (nothing else, no SPDIF etc). The input pins are shared, and I am pretty sure my source can be arranged to deal with that, but the configuration of the B-III board (jumpers) appears to be entirely different for the two types of data. Since the jumpers appear to carry actual signals, it would appear that wiring switches would be a very bad idea.
Is there a way to set up the jumpers such that the B-III can be switched from DSD-I2S via an external controller (I assume Arduino, unless the AC-2 becomes available), or does one have to build a separate DAC specifically accommodate DSD?
Yes, I read through the integration guide. It appears to me that there is no easy way to set up the B-III for DSD and I2S.
I want to build a B-III, and use have two inputs: I2S, and DSD (nothing else, no SPDIF etc). The input pins are shared, and I am pretty sure my source can be arranged to deal with that, but the configuration of the B-III board (jumpers) appears to be entirely different for the two types of data. Since the jumpers appear to carry actual signals, it would appear that wiring switches would be a very bad idea.
Is there a way to set up the jumpers such that the B-III can be switched from DSD-I2S via an external controller (I assume Arduino, unless the AC-2 becomes available), or does one have to build a separate DAC specifically accommodate DSD?
It really is that easy. But you still need to route the correct signals from your source to BCK and D1 and D2 etc.
You could also solve this a few other ways.
I will try to draw up some more concrete ideas if I have time.
In short there is not "simple" solution but all the information needed to figure it out is already available.
That's the BII wiring configuration:
http://hifiduino.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/biiinputmap.jpg
And then you apply the input remapping switch for BIII
http://hifiduino.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/biiinputmap.jpg
And then you apply the input remapping switch for BIII
Yes correct. Thank you GLT. I was going to draw that up myself - you saved me some work. 🙂
That makes the B3 behave input wise just like B2 as long as the remap switch is selected.
BTW sidecar does this routing too. That is why when using sidecar you should have the remap switch set.
One still has switch in and out the DSD and PCM signals correctly from source.
That makes the B3 behave input wise just like B2 as long as the remap switch is selected.
BTW sidecar does this routing too. That is why when using sidecar you should have the remap switch set.
One still has switch in and out the DSD and PCM signals correctly from source.
1. There's only 1 firmware chip. You connect it to the board with the firmware chip in place.
2. Powered through the ribbon, as described in the manual.
3. This is a trigger. You can connect it several ways, usage is up to the builder.
I'd like a diagram, but it's not something that's high on my priority list: I simply do not have the items required. I'd need pictures for several items, including Sidecar, Teleporter, etc.
2. Powered through the ribbon, as described in the manual.
3. This is a trigger. You can connect it several ways, usage is up to the builder.
I'd like a diagram, but it's not something that's high on my priority list: I simply do not have the items required. I'd need pictures for several items, including Sidecar, Teleporter, etc.
The DSD
Approach would likely use an async USB which could output both I2S and DSD signals. These would apply the correct signals to the correct pins on the board (G, data, D1, D2).
Switching the B-III for DSD seems problematic though. My understanding is that GLT is proposing a specific jumper set up, which would allow the B-III to operate in the same config as a B-II? Then only requiring slight DAC config changes to switch back and forth from DSDI2S.
Approach would likely use an async USB which could output both I2S and DSD signals. These would apply the correct signals to the correct pins on the board (G, data, D1, D2).
Switching the B-III for DSD seems problematic though. My understanding is that GLT is proposing a specific jumper set up, which would allow the B-III to operate in the same config as a B-II? Then only requiring slight DAC config changes to switch back and forth from DSDI2S.
If you set it the BII way, (including the switch for input remap), then the DAC automatically detects I2S or DSD
GLT...
Thanks. So to be sure my understanding is correct, I set the jumpers as noted in your above post, set the input re-mapping switch to "ON", and then the B-III will work with either I2S or DSD signals directly (assuming the source is supplying the correct signals to G, Data, D1, & D2) and the only other thing I may want to switch for DSD operation would be the IIR bandwidth, and this is not necessary per se, adjusting it might be preferred sonically though.
By this method I would not need to have external I2C control of the DAC to accept both DSD and I2S directly (although it might be nice to change IIR settings).
Thanks again for your help.
Thanks. So to be sure my understanding is correct, I set the jumpers as noted in your above post, set the input re-mapping switch to "ON", and then the B-III will work with either I2S or DSD signals directly (assuming the source is supplying the correct signals to G, Data, D1, & D2) and the only other thing I may want to switch for DSD operation would be the IIR bandwidth, and this is not necessary per se, adjusting it might be preferred sonically though.
By this method I would not need to have external I2C control of the DAC to accept both DSD and I2S directly (although it might be nice to change IIR settings).
Thanks again for your help.
Correct (in theory. I don't have a DSD to try it myself. - That was the design goal for BII: automatically switch depending on what is applied at the inputs)
Also use DPLL switch to "default"
Also use DPLL switch to "default"
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