Hello folks.

This is my first posting on the Twisted Pear Forum. I was led here by a friend who suggested one of these DACs as probably a major step up from my first DIY project, a heavily-modified Gigaworks DAC.

I'm very new to DIY audio and I confess much of the technology's rather difficult for an old chap like me to grasp. I can solder, measure current, voltage etc. and know how to be careful with mains voltage!

Anyway, my aim is to build the best version of the Buffalo I can, given my limited skill-set. Reading through the options available, I've come up with the following list of components I think I'd need for a dual-mono, unbalanced version with SP/DIF and Toslink inputs :-

2x DAC Modules, Placid PSU, 9V Transformer, Legato Kit, Placid BP PSU, 15V Transformer, Ballsie, MUX, Toslink Module, and LCDPS kit.

My intention would to buy fully assembled and tested modules where offered. I'm pretty sure I can populate a board with components, even though I might sweat a fair bit in the process!

I would really appreciate all comments and suggestions; is someone like me capable of producing a satisfactory result, or do you consider it beyond me? Once assembled and operational I wouldn't wish to spend time tweaking (I haven't got enough grasp of the concepts).

Best wishes!

Tony.

I agree. Start small, ensure everything works and built it up from there.
I would recommend you get the digital volume control.

I understand the opinions stated, I've just built the BII in a dual mono pre-amp configuration along with an UCD dual mono amp to match it. It's a lot of work, a lot of reading and getting it right takes quite a bit of cash.

But understanding doesn't mean I totally agree. IMO A dual mono isn't too complicated for a first build. Been there, done it. It's certainly more complex than a single board BII and above all much more work but IMO it's worth it. You could start with a normal stereo setup and later on expand it to dual mono if you feel intimidated by the responses.

Make sure your amp is up for the task. My old amp wasn't a bad one, but the UCD 700HG simply destroys it. And it isn't even that much more expensive. It's very difficult to figure out what exactly makes it that much better, but going balanced would be on my shortlist. The UCD amps are very easy to build (provided you buy a crimping tool for the connectors). Perhaps a dual mono UCD180HG would already be a big improvement? Going balanced saves you quite some wiring work, an Ballsie, connectors, etc. on the DAC end.

Ok, I'll bite. The obvious choice for the BII is to include the Volumite, despite having a good pre it's almost impossible to get the same SQ as the digital attenuation of the ESS chip. Let's face it, it's not the most expensive part of this build (let alone compared to the rest of the system). And if you don't like it, just unhook the volumite and reinsert the firmware chips on the DACs or simply turn the volume all the way up.
The Naim indeed would be the obvious choice, but if you like DIY the BII is a far more rewarding project. Dual mono does add complexity and cost, and for most people the latter is the biggest problem. Plus some won't notice the improvement because of other components in the chain holding them back.
N.B. please remember to order 2 I/V stages, not one. And 2 Placid BP PSUs for them, along with 2 transformers.

Don't forget to add a Placid BP for the Legato.

OK, final list (for the time being) - Buffalo DAC module, Placid PSU,9V & 12V transformers, Legato kit, MUX, TOSlink module, Placid BP.

Now, because the only part not in stock is the actual module, is it best to order the other bits first?

Thanks LeonvB, I'll take your advice. My plan would be to get things up and running before working out casework and best configuration. This latter gives me no problem, it's the electronics I'm worried about!