Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/4/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5
Location: Chicago
|
I want to build the Buffalo 3, but have some pre-purchase questions to ensure I get it right the first time.
Application:
Switch the Cransong HEDD192 DAC with the Buffalo 3 DAC.
Present studio system is:
Cransong HEDD192 DAC
JT-10kb-dpc Jenson transformers = balanced to unbalanced
Adcom gfp-710 preamplifier(unbalanced)
Aragon 2002 amplifier
Question:
For unbalanced which is better? by much?
1. Buffalo>JT-10kb-dpc Jenson transformer
2. Buffalo>Ventus>JT-10kb-dpc Jenson transformer
3. Buffalo>Ventus>Ballsie
4. Buffalo>Ivy>JT-10kb-dpc Jenson transformer
5. Buffalo>Ivy>Ballsie
Answer:
Question:
Should I remove the Adcom gfp-710 preamplifier,and only use the volumite included with the Buffalo, to go direct to the amp?
Just in case the specifications are useful for this decision:
Adcom gfp-710 specs: input impedence 25k, THD-N=.005%, Intermod=.005%, S/N>100dB
Aragon 2002 amplifier specs: input impedence 20k, THD-N=.003%, Intermod=.003%, S/N>106dB
Answer:
Question:
Is there a remote for the volumite included with the Buffalo?
Answer:
Question:
Stereo vs dual mono. In a 60% anechoic studio, is a typical studio engineer going to be able to hear the difference between 133-135db DNR, with S/N=106dB?
Answer:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 5/23/2010(UTC)
Posts: 708
Location: Netherlands
Thanks: 2 times
Was thanked: 48 time(s) in 45 post(s)
|
1. Simply hook up your SE equipment to the IVY3. It has a built-in ballsie. For best performance, you'll want an I/V stage anyway.
2. You certainly could do that, I'd check how you use the preamp and how you like the built-in volume control.
3. No, but adding it is as simple as buying an IR controlled pot.
4. The difference between stereo and dual mono can be heard. That said, is the BIII really suited for studio work? I say this because the ES9018 includes de-clipping algorithms, which work perfectly fine BTW. So if during mastering you're clipping the signal you likely won't notice it until you use another DAC which doesn't include de-clipping. That could be very bad depending on when you notice it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration, Customer
Joined: 10/24/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,979
Location: Nashville, TN
Thanks: 25 times
Was thanked: 89 time(s) in 83 post(s)
|
I can state very emphatically that the ES9018 is a superb studio production and mastering DAC. The reason is that in a studio you will be dealing with clipping etc well before the DAC. There is no good excuse for sending a clipped digital signal to a DAC. That said even if you did send a clipped signal to the DAC you would still hear it - anti clipping does not mean inaudible clipping. Connect one to a scope and generate clipped PCM and you will see what I mean. :)
Now if we were talking ADCs it would be a far different story. But good news there, the new ESS ADC is superb. I have several studios waiting to try it out. :)
I know of at least 3 well known studios already using various Buffalo for mastering and studio work. :)
As for remote volume the AC2 which will be available soon will handle that and more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/4/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5
Location: Chicago
|
First I really appreciate the help.
So the dual mono DAC would be the following part list?
(Pre-Order) Buffalo-III DAC
(1) Buffalo-III Base Module (Assembled and Tested)
(1) AVCC Dual Shunt Regulator Module (Assembled and Tested)
(2) Trident 3.3V Shunt Regulator Module (Assembled and Tested)
(1) Trident 1.2V Shunt Regulator Module (Assembled and Tested)
(Pre-Order) Buffalo-III DAC
(1) Buffalo-III Base Module (Assembled and Tested)
(1) AVCC Dual Shunt Regulator Module (Assembled and Tested)
(2) Trident 3.3V Shunt Regulator Module (Assembled and Tested)
(1) Trident 1.2V Shunt Regulator Module (Assembled and Tested)
IVY-III Kit + One Placid HD BP Kit Combo
[1] IVY-III Kit
[1] Placid BP Power Supply Kit
IVY-III Kit + One Placid HD BP Kit Combo
[1] IVY-III Kit
[1] Placid BP Power Supply Kit
(1) LCDPS Low Current Dual Power Supply Kit
(2) 15V+15V (30VA) Power Transformer
(1) 9V+9V (15VA) Power Transformer
(1) AC2 controller (When available)
Question:
Did I miss any parts? Any suggested changes?
What power supply and transformer will I need for the AC2?
For Adc's, other than Cranesong, I also have the PCM4222. I am very interested in the new ESS ADC's. I imagine clock challenges?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 12/24/2008(UTC)
Posts: 100
Location: Seattle, WA
|
grega60438 wrote:
Aragon 2002 amplifier specs: input impedence 20k, THD-N=.003%, Intermod=.003%, S/N>106dB
You had me wondering there for a bit. I believe the decimal point for your THD+N figures is off by one for the amplifier. I might be mistaken but I believe the Aragon 2002 has a THD+N of 0.03% from 20Hz-20Khz. That is a difference of having noise and distortion at -70db vs. -90db. Not sure it makes an audible difference but fyi. Cheers Thomas
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 5/23/2010(UTC)
Posts: 708
Location: Netherlands
Thanks: 2 times
Was thanked: 48 time(s) in 45 post(s)
|
Quote:What power supply and transformer will I need for the AC2? For the AC2 you'll just need another 9V transformer, as it has an on-board PSU. Unless you're using TTL SPDIF, PCM or DSD only you could add an input board.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/4/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5
Location: Chicago
|
Thomas, you are correct 0.03%. Ooops!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/4/2011(UTC)
Posts: 5
Location: Chicago
|
Leon,
Using AES only. Appreciate the suggestions!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 5/23/2010(UTC)
Posts: 708
Location: Netherlands
Thanks: 2 times
Was thanked: 48 time(s) in 45 post(s)
|
Add the SPDIF input module, and set it up for AES.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.
