Thanks for the reply.
The work side of it is not the issue - I am probably the fussy, perfectionist type when it comes to audio, however I am not really up to speed on design/build work to this level, but my friend who is the tech is the one who is very knowledgeable and capable - so it would be a joint effort. He has a controller (
Auduino) which he has used to control all sorts of gear before. Its capable of doing what we need comfortably. So unless the I2C controllers are more cost effective, or there is a genuine reason to prefer that over a self programed option, we would probably go with that.
Now my questions!
Are there links to the MRB1 module's?
Is it more complicated to switch SPDIF based digital inputs that using some relays as in the Darwin?
Why would you suggest that I would want to do digital domain volume control? Is it better to use the Buffalo to control the digital source volume and the Joshua Tree to control the analog volume?
Our initial concept was ( I hope the formatting stays intact - edit. It didnt, lets try it differently. )
Coax and Toslink inputs, selected via a darwin type ( probably 4 input ) selector.
Feeding into a buffalo DAC.
The output from the DAC goes to another darwin type input selector, this one also "collecting" the analog inputs ( probably another 4 source setup, the digital, 3 analog inputs ). This then feeds an Ivy3.
The Ivy feeds out to an Otto2:1, the purpose of the Otto is to achieve the HT bypass abilities ( although maybe the controller could do this using an analog input set to a fixed gain? )
Or do you suggest a different concept, and if so, why would you suggest differently? Is it to reduce the amount of relays? ( I am not 100% on that concept - indeed, I suspect the Auduino might be able to utilize an analog input for HT bypass, with fixed gain, via a trigger, which still goes through the IVY3 and negates the need for the Otto. More simple, and cheaper to boot :)
Now my last question.
This will probably cost me in excess of $2K NZ, about $1K for the Twisted pear gear, about $1K for a case, connectors, hookup wire, etc. Is this going to perform to the level of the Bel Canto DAC's, Wyred4Sound DACs, Cyrus, etc?
Or am I better to spend $4K-$6Kish on a factory made variant?
Edited by user Tuesday, December 7, 2010 6:21:05 PM(UTC)
| Reason: Not specified