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Hello everyone!
Through DiyAudio I found this site and really like what I see. I would like to build a DAC but don't know what to get. Most of my music is on vinyl and tape so I don't want to go nuts with a maxed-out Buffalo. I'll be running into a Creek 4330. Which one of the other DACs offered would be the one to buy? What else do I need to order to complete the project other than the main board?
Thanks!
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Rank: Advanced Member
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It would be helpful if you specified how many and what kind of inputs you need (spdif (opt/elect), USB, AES), and what kind of outputs (bal/SE). That dictates how many, and what kind of extra boards you need.
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Sorry. I thought everybody could read my mind :^)
Just a coax and USB input. Single SE output.
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If you really don't want a BII the Opus would be the next best thing.
But I'd start with a basic BII setup with just 1 DAC board, 1 IVY3 or Legato, 1 Placid BP and 1 LCDPS. Just using Coax for now would be my choice. If you like it, you then have several ways to expand the system: adding Trident regulators, add the new USB receiver + Mux + MRB1 for more input options, or go dual mono and add a second DAC board, I/V stage and Placid BP. It'll take a LONG time to outgrow a DAC with 32/384Khz capability and that many upgrade options.
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Rank: Member
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Thanks guys. I think I got it. Opus kit with both a USB and spdif receiver. My CD collection is small and standard redbook so I don't want to overdo it!
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You will need BAL/SE conversion anyway to get the most out of Opus. Here is what I would do: Best Option 1) USB module in SPDIF output mode 2) MUX (With input from the USB module and external coax). 3) Buffalo II in I2S mode plus Placid. 4) IVY III with Placid BP for PS. If you feel you have the skill then choose Legato instead. Next best: 1) USB module in SPDIF output mode 2) MUX (With input from the USB module and external coax). 2b)(optional) Metronome ASRC 3) Opus in I2S mode. 4) Ventus setup for BAL/SE conversion. Cheers! Russ Edited by user Tuesday, December 14, 2010 6:41:30 PM(UTC)
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Russ White wrote:
Best Option
1) USB module in SPDIF output mode
2) MUX (With input from the USB module and external coax).
3) Buffalo II in I2S mode plus Placid.
4) IVY III with Placid BP for PS. If you feel you have the skill then choose Legato instead.
Cheers!
Russ
I'm on a hunt for the BII dac. I've been really confused of what parts are needed as i could not get it from the home page. I've sent you guys an email, but being that you are on vacation, you are probably not going to answer it.. My setup is a Laptop with minijack and USB. Right now it's connected via phono cable to the preamp (10-15 meters of cable in between). I was thinking about using the modded Hiface (i2s version) to connect between the laptop and the buffalo dac. Is the USB receiver on this site on par? Then, is there anything that is against using the Legato 2 over the IVY if build complexity is not relevant? - and is an I/V stage necessary at all? My future shopping cart: BII dac kit Trident regs Legato 2 I/V stage 1 Placid (Legato) 1 LCDPS (Buffalo) or make it battery powered I am using a Marantz SR6004 as preamp - will be upgraded later to a better suited product - perhaps DIY..? I don't use anything other than my PC for Music, and a PC for playing movies over HDMI
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You definitely need an I/V stage.
Here would be my shopping cart recommendation for you:
- BII
- Trident (Order the Buf II first if these are not available yet)
- Legato 2
- LCBPS for the legato (it is actually an awesome fit for that app)
- LCDPS for the BII
- Volumite (with this you will not need any preamp).
- BII Firmware for the Volumite.
I Would stick with the HiFace with either SPDIF or I2S output if you have one for now. I am still working on our new USB module.
With this setup you will have a DAC that will be sure to please.
Cheers!
Russ
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Rank: Member
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Russ White wrote:You definitely need an I/V stage.
Here would be my shopping cart recommendation for you:
- BII
- Trident (Order the Buf II first if these are not available yet)
- Legato 2
- LCBPS for the legato (it is actually an awesome fit for that app)
- LCDPS for the BII
- Volumite (with this you will not need any preamp).
- BII Firmware for the Volumite.
I Would stick with the HiFace with either SPDIF or I2S output if you have one for now. I am still working on our new USB module.
With this setup you will have a DAC that will be sure to please.
Cheers!
Russ The BII page says to use the Placid for best performance. Is your LCDPS recommendation due to the Tridents?
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Yeah, due to the tridents being shunt regulating.. from what i have read. No need for double shunting. I have not bought ANY parts, but was contemplating on buying a hiface soon. However, i'm in no rush as the bII will arrive in febuary - if i get one that is.. The USB module you are developing, will it be on par with some of the best? - the Hiface costs around 200 USD excl. case, and thats around what i am willing to pay. If i see an improvement by spending more, i do it. When you say that you would recommend a Volumite, can you explain to a novice why i don't need a preamp? Is that the same as saying that i would not benefit from a good DIY preamp for stereo? - I only listen to music from the PC. Thanks PS: The bII would be a nice birth day gift - i turned 23 today :d/ Edited by user Tuesday, December 28, 2010 4:13:49 PM(UTC)
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The functions of a preamp are attenuation and source selection. If you only listen to the PC adding a Volumite to perform the attenuation is the only extra you'll need to turn the DAC into a DAC/preamp.
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Hi All, Not to question Russ's opinion, but I found the Placid to be preferable to the LCDPS when powering the B2 fitted with Tridents. I would be interested to hear from anyone else who has directly compered the two regulatiomn options. Regards Martin
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My suggestion is really more about efficiency and easy of setup than perception. Really I wouldn't be surprised to see varying opinions here. What I can tell you is at least in term of both simulation and measurement (at least to the extent I can do) the is really no difference. So by all means use which ever you prefer, just remember the steep current requirements.
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