Did I make a mistake by not buying the one without the buffer? I did so thinking that:
1. I will not drive headphones directly from the SE output
2. I will only use a single buffalo
3. I will use both balanced and single ended
1. I will not drive headphones directly from the SE output
2. I will only use a single buffalo
3. I will use both balanced and single ended
Did I make a mistake by not buying the one without the buffer? I did so thinking that:
1. I will not drive headphones directly from the SE output
2. I will only use a single buffalo
3. I will use both balanced and single ended
Not necessarily. But if you like you can always add it in later. So you will be just fine. 🙂
Yeah, double negative. I was doing too many things at once. I bought one without. I won't sweat it. First I was going to drive a tube stage with it, but I've scrapped that idea.
You really only need the buffers for driving headphones. The regular SE out will drive just about anything else.
Once more: what are the ramifications for driving headphones balanced and (therefore) bufferless?
Two Legato 3.1 arrived in the UK today - thanks Russ & Brian.
Just wanted to confirm the best way to wire the outputs of Legato 3 with buffers in a dual mono setup - using balanced outputs?
Just wanted to confirm the best way to wire the outputs of Legato 3 with buffers in a dual mono setup - using balanced outputs?
Once more: what are the ramifications for driving headphones balanced and (therefore) bufferless?
The Legato's balanced outputs cannot deliver sufficient current to drive headphones directly. IVY is better for that application.
Getting ready to setup the L3 with new Placid BP HD. Rails at 15v. How much current does it draw?
Getting ready to setup the L3 with new Placid BP HD. Rails at 15v. How much current does it draw?
I would setup for about 300ma from CCS then adjust it so that you are shunting something around 50ma when powering the L3.1.
I would setup for about 300ma from CCS then adjust it so that you are shunting something around 50ma when powering the L3.1.
Does that include the current through the LM buffer? which is capable of delivering 250mA?
I just finished it up, But I will let my editor (Brian, bless him) look at it before we publish it. 🙂
In the mean time here is enough info to get you going:
Construction Options
The Legato is a pretty straightforward build. C1-C4 can either filter to GND or the positive rail. I prefer GND. Please note J5 and J6 are only used if the buffers are omitted - otherwise do not populate.
Completely omitting the opamp based BAL/SE stage:
Omit: SW1, IC1, IC2, IC3, C17,C18,C11,C12, L1, L2, R17 – R26 and R33 – R36, as well as VR3 and VR4
Completely omitting only the SE buffer:
Omit: IC2, IC3, and optionally L1 and L2. Then install jumpers at J5 and J6.
First Run and Initial Adjustment
1. Ensure the supply is not connected to the Legato and that the Legato outputs are not connected to anything.
2. Adjust the power supply rails to 12-15VDC.
3. Power off the supply and connect the supply to the Legato then power back on.
4. Adjust VR1 and VR2 so voltage between + and – on the balanced outputs measures 0VDC.
5. If the BAL/SE stage is used adjust VR3 and VR4 until the SE output on each side is at 0VDC.
6. It is now safe to wire the outputs with the power off. Add AC coupling capacitors to the balanced outputs in the unlikely event your application requires it.
7. Power back up and repeat steps 4 and 5.
8. Enjoy the music!
So if I am omitting buffer and opamp SE/BAl stage, than J5 and J6 needs to be populated - right?
I bought the Legato 2 a few months back.. I've not yet received it from the postal office (sucks..), but i was looking into if i could improve the sound of the L2 without buying an L3 kit?
I'm a first time DIY'er, so maybe that speaks for buying a whole new kit.. but i would appreciate if my L2 kit would not go to waste trying to get the best possible config.
Shipping is not a problem since i need to buy something that can take care of the inputs (I need usb and a digital connection with a Squeezebox touch - rca and coax?)
I'm a first time DIY'er, so maybe that speaks for buying a whole new kit.. but i would appreciate if my L2 kit would not go to waste trying to get the best possible config.
Shipping is not a problem since i need to buy something that can take care of the inputs (I need usb and a digital connection with a Squeezebox touch - rca and coax?)

I bought the Legato 2 a few months back.. I've not yet received it from the postal office (sucks..), but i was looking into if i could improve the sound of the L2 without buying an L3 kit?
I'm a first time DIY'er, so maybe that speaks for buying a whole new kit.. but i would appreciate if my L2 kit would not go to waste trying to get the best possible config.
Shipping is not a problem since i need to buy something that can take care of the inputs (I need usb and a digital connection with a Squeezebox touch - rca and coax?)
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If you are a first time builder, do not worry about modding or changing your Legato 2 until you get it working properly. Don't concern yourself about getting the best possible performance out of something until you have established that you can build something that works stock, because you will make diagnosing any problems much more difficult. The IVY would probably be a better choice for a first time builder, but you already have the Legato, so I would stick with that.
Also stick with using the coaxial digital output from the squeezebox before you worry about implementing usb digital audio.
-Aaron.
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