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XXII  
#1 Posted : Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:55:29 AM(UTC)
XXII

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Hello,

I have a DAC which uses a ultraanalog D20400A DAC chip which has died. As far as I can tell, this is a voltage output DAC so am I right in saying that it should be possible to replace the DAC module with a Buffalo DAC (i.e. basically using the line-stage of the DAC with the Buffalo DAC)? What problems might arise out of this?

Thanks!

Edited by user Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:56:23 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Brian Donegan  
#2 Posted : Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:16:21 AM(UTC)
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It seems you found an original replacement for $150. I would go that route.
XXII  
#3 Posted : Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:27:00 AM(UTC)
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Thanks Brian for your answer. It turns out the replacement part was not exactly the correct one. Is the Buffalo DAC as a replacement not going to work? Or not likely to sound good? Or not likely to sound better than the original?
Brian Donegan  
#4 Posted : Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:56:52 AM(UTC)
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*If* it's a voltage output DAC, you could use a Buffalo in it's place. You could also use an Opus, which is actually more feasible now that the Buffalo32s will have an integrated I/V stage.

If it is a current output DAC, which sounds likely from what others were saying on head-fi, it would likely not work with the Buffalo, as the I/V stage needs to be matched tot he current output of the DAC. Since the Buffalo has a very high current output compared to most other DACs, I am betting it will not work without a lot of work.
XXII  
#5 Posted : Tuesday, March 10, 2009 6:06:18 PM(UTC)
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Well it was only one person on Head-case that suggested it might be a current output DAC. After much digging, I've managed to find the datasheet of the D20400A which I believe indicates it's a voltage output DAC.

D20400A datasheet

Actually, I already have managed to source a Buffalo DAC. I understand from the manual that the Buffalo DAC has better DNR and THD when using current output. Do you have a link to the actual difference in performance? Is there anything you have to do to switch it from current output to voltage output?

Thanks once again.



Russ White  
#6 Posted : Tuesday, March 10, 2009 7:21:07 PM(UTC)
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Hi, the difference is not much. And it only applies to THD (a few db say -114db compared to -117db). The DNR will be virtually the same.

Cheers!
Russ
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