hello! total noob here dreaming to build this great dac!

my occupation is medical, and i do not have the slightest idea about electronic circuits. my last physics class was 10 years ago and i remotely recall anything from it.

the only thing that is driving me to accomplish this herculean task is that i am foremost a music lover, and having heard from peers and reviews how great this dac is, i decided that i need it. and that's why i need your help :)

i have a pc with an asus xonar d2 soundcard that i want to use as transport to play my flac and mp3 files. i want to connect this via spdif to the buffalo dac, hook the buffalo via rca to my amp and headphones.

i have placed my order for a Buffalo-II DAC Module + Placid Power Supply Kit Combo. for my needs, what else is required to build the dac? since i am going single ended output, i just need a ballsie right and a single 9 + 9 transformer? so with these i can already build the dac?

another question: the ballsie has two options for the opamps on board. what are the differences between the opamps? i want the sound to be neutral and faithful so what would you guys recommend?

thanks a lot in advance guys! please help the noob :)

oh ok thank you. so no need for ballsie then. will just have to order one 9 + 9, and one 15 + 15 transformer, ivy III kit and placid bp.

so that's what i need from twisted pear. but no 15 + 15 transformer available on the order form. anywhere else i can get that one from?

thanks a lot!

thanks! but that's the problem, the 15 + 15 transformer is out of stock. is there a place where i can get something like that so i can prepare my dac build plans?

if ever i wait for the transformer here, how long does it usually restock?

Edited by user Wednesday, July 28, 2010 1:51:15 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

In theory, connecting the Toslink module would work as the module goes to SPDIF out and the DAC can use SPDIF in. But it wouldn't make the DAC more versatile, as it would simply replace the normal SPDIF input, not extend it. The ESS chip has several SPDIF interfaces which can be chosen using the registers, but I don't think Russ & Brian have connected them all. So right now if you want to ADD Toslink in addition to other interfaces, you also have to add the MUX unit.

thanks LeonvB! that was very helpful. i guess i will be going for toslink for now, but at least i know it's going to eat up the spdif slot...

another question guys: assuming i will use an optical module to have an optical input options, would this be better compared to spdif input if the final sound quality is the consideration alone?

my setup has a asus xonar d2 with optical/spdif out. i am planning to use the sound card as transport.

i guess the sound quality will be the same whatever input from the buffalo i will be using... i just wanted to be sure by getting your opinions. thanks!

oh ok! thanks for the input!

i do have an optical cable left over from a previous setup. might as well do as what you advised and judge with my ears as what is better...

thanks again :)

Hi everyone.
I, too, am completely new to this pursuit of build it yourself.
Some more questions.
1. Do I need to solder anything to build this kit?
2. Where can you source a good looking case for the finished DAC?
3. Can anyone provide a step by step guide as to what to do?

I have an Audio Alchemy CD transport I've just bought on eBay. Any advice on tweaking that?
Any mods for a Sony Blu-ray player, also?

Many thanks.

is there an equivalant supplier like modushop in the usa

hello! i have received the kit and the 9 + 9 transformers are en route. i have the dac + placid, the ivy + placid bp, and the 15 + 15 transformer, plus the optical kit as as optional input option...

as a total noob, here are my questions:

1) the placid kits need soldering of the capacitors etc. so i place all the caps and stuff onto the board first, trim the extra wire from the back, then start soldering once everything is in place?

2) i should do the same for the ivy?

3) isn't it potentially difficult to mount and solder the dac over the ivy board? i should do this last right? any tips on getting this done with the least amount of hassle?

4) i will be ordering a special aluminum case. can i just build the pcbs and stick them to the case afterwards? or would it be better if i mount the pcbs and make the holes to hold the pcbs in place before soldering anything to the pcbs? any thoughts on this?

thanks in advance guys!