Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Dexsam

Buffalo II DAC anyone?

Dexsam — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 08:10:00 +0800

Hi,

I stumbled across this site selling above populated PCB for DIY dac : http://www.twistedpearaudio.com/digital/buffalo.aspx

and decided to try it out. So I purchased it (Buffalo II dac + Placid PS + Legato I/V Stage & Bal>SE ) and am waiting for its arrival in Jan 2011. All I need now is a PS transformer and casing to complete the dac. Specs seem outstanding for ESS Sabre32 (ES9018) & its processing power can easily keep up with 24bit/192kHz files & this chip which is also used in commercial Wyred4sound dac1 & 2 & some other high end dacs like McIntosh. The demand was outstripping production and each batch was sold out within minutes of opening but I managed to grab one. Wonder about its SQ & how it compares with NOS dacs, although reviews so far so good. The ESS Sabre chip makers also produce Evaluation boards (EV) for DIY and manufacturers to test out the chips.

I have been using for quite a while the Promitheus DAC (non oversampling) with transformer outputs but the receiver chip (CS8414?) kept blowing, gave up and switched to Monica 3 (another local hifi entrepreneur) both using TDA1545A chip - a chip developed many years ago, so I thought jumping to the 'latest' technology chip would be refreshing. Anyone has experience with Sabre32 chips or got Buffalo II dac or has experience with DACs with ESS Sabre chips care to comment on its SQ? I know its subjective from person to person.

Thanks

Tube Headphone Amplifier

Dexsam — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:27:29 +0800

Hi all,

I just bought on eBay from HK/China (waiting shipment) a commonly advertised tube/MOSFET headphone amplifier for about RM200 only (inclusive shipment). These common design with front single tube for both channels operated at low voltage (24V), usually 6922/12AU7/12AX7 , coupled to MOSFET section (IRF510 eg) operated in full class A and this drives the headphones. This design is popular in DIY circles and can be found in variations in DIY forums. At first I thought about building one DIY but got lazy when saw may such amps fully built in China for bidding on eBay, so I got one at a price which I thought was good value. I started bid at only USD10 and won it at USD43.00

I was thinking that I could tube roll with so many kinds of tubes, exotic NOS Mullards/Telefunken included since it there is only ONE tube to change to tweak the sound, it would not be a bad idea. The specs advertised, distortion, noise etc looks good at least on paper.

Has anyone tried out these amps and how do they sound compared to more established names in tube headphone amps? Any comments? I intend to use my AKG K701 with it.

thanks

ipod/iphone digital output

Dexsam — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:10:09 +0800

Hi,

With hard disc storage music growing, I am looking into playing music from such system through my audio system which already comprise a DAC which receives digital from CD transport.

While it is easy and straight forward to play from a computer (PC or notebook, Windows or Mac) music using the many media playing softwares around including itunes via USB link to a SPDIF convertor (many available in the market) and then to the DAC, one cannot do the same to connect an ipod/iphone to the DAC.

I know there are many so called ipod docks but most (if not all except for Wadia i170 and Onkyo ND-S1) docks outputs analogue audio meaning they make use of the ipod's in-built DAC. My question: has anyone been able to grab the ipod's digital output just like what Wadia i170 did? Of course without resorting to mod to one's ipod.

Thanks for any comments.