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Hi,
I'd like to build a multi-channel (6) DAC with DSD playback capabilities with the highest definition as I can get.
I'm thinking about building this DAC using a USB to I2s interface linked to 3 Buffalo III-SE dacs.
Questions are :
- would I need a buffer between interface and dacs or would it synchronize without any problem just by connecting I2s outs to the dacs ?
- regarding the power supply, am I right saying that I won't need more than what is needed for a one BIII-SE setup ?
- regarding DSD playback, is there any way to get native DSD playback ? the manual says maximum is 32bits / 400kHz so not so sure about that point...
Thanks for your feedback :)
neofeed
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Yes, the ES9018 does native DSD playback - and the Buffalo supports that.
The only signal that would be shared for DSD is the bit clock, and it only drives a single gate.
So with three DACs you would be driving three gates - likely you won't need a buffer for that, but it wouldn't hurt to use one.
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Russ, how you change I2C address for third BIII? and what that would be?
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Use a second I2C bus to address the third DAC.
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second IC2 bus from where? I have only one coming from ARDUINO........
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If you don't have two busses you'll have to create them. It's fairly easy to use Google. Search: two i2c arduino First hit: use a switch like the PCA9546A. Second hit: http://arduino.cc/en/reference/wire. So use a Due. This isn't a standard setup, so don't expect ready to use modules and/or firmware. You'll have to adapt things a bit, create a design, test it, etc.
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Thanks mate, I knew it wouldn't be that easy. Implementing i2c-multiplexer in DIY project is out of question, for now. I would say @time-being that DUAL MONO is the best one can build from TP kits without going into profy territory?!
However with 16 channels of 2x BIII allot can be done.....
cheers
Danny
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Dual mono, stereo and up to 8 channel (BIII only) are all standard configurations, which can be easily built using the available modules and firmware. If you want something else, you'll have to have at least some basic knowledge about programming (for the firmware), and some basic knowledge about the chips/busses and their configuration. I wouldn't call that profy.
And yes, dual mono is certainly the "best" standard configuration without a doubt. But why not simply build a 6-channel DAC with a single BIII?
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To be honest with you, since my first BIII buildup (stereo system) was connected as 4 DAC's into one channel over IVY I/V board, I never had chance to listen single DAC/Chnl out from ESS9018! Have anyone ever compared SQ output from only one DAC per channel? If the quality is any where near to 4x per channel , then I would say your suggestion of using one BIII for six channels would be valid. Otherwise me personally would pass on it.
Let me explain my vision of multi channel playback in Hi-end system. First of all I would like to have 24channel master file processed in real time where user will be able to bring vocals, drums,and other instruments back and forward to his alike(and not some "dumbbell" in post production).
This would include room correction and other necessary corrections to get "audio hologram". All 24 channels would be fed to 3x BIII? and output will go to same number of amps powering 24 speakers in the front/around user? Imagine having "wall" of speakers in the front of you (around you) where dedicated channels for vocals would be played trough amp/ speakers known to be best for vocals (tube amp/QUAD ESL?). Similar with drums, strings etc..... maybe in not that far future? Sound reproduction system of today (even hi-end) is relaying more on our imagination in convincing us to "real deal" than delivering it. Parabola would be, full loaded orchestra sound "convincingly" played trough great pipe organ, like they have try it back in 16th century.....sorry got carried away a bit......
So far I have done some experiments with 4channels into 4 amp/spkr system (not surround) where ordinary stereo (Hi-Rez Flac) file was processed/splitted into 4 channels (vocal and drum) using SpectraLayers pro. Trust me on this, that was the most convincing performance I ever came across in all this years chasing "holly grail" of "real deal".
cheers
Danny
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Sound quality when using a single channel of the ES9018 is still superb.
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Hi, I'm digging out this post to update it. I've sketched up this routing, can anyone confirm that this could work ? 
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Yes it should work assuming the exa module PCM outputs are as depicted.
Your diagram is pretty close. Just route LR to D1 on all DACs and D1.2 to D2 on DAC #1 and D3.4 to D2 on DAC #2 and D 5.6 to D2 on DAC #3. You only need to connect GND to the DAC at one spot (not the two as shown - thogh it won't really hurt). I2C header is fine.
Cheers!
Russ
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 1 user thanked Russ White for this useful post.
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