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Production IVY available soon, and a new DAC in the works
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We did some testing with the beta IVY boards (see details on Opus page) and made some modifications. Namely, we added a relay on the output which shunts the output to ground to reduce the risk on turn-on/off transients (popping) from the single-ended outputs (the relay is not in the signal path during normal operation). We also added some optional resistors on the outputs to better deal with large capacitive loads. The addition of these parts made it all but impossible to retain the SMD pads and keep the routing optimum, so those have been removed. Here is a picture of the revised board, which will be available in a few weeks: Also in the works is a new DAC based on the new ESS Sabre8 (ES9008) chip. We have some chips and are awaiting the beta boards for testing. This should be big. You can read more about the chip on the DIYAudio thread here. Edited by user Thursday, March 13, 2008 4:10:37 PM(UTC)
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Wow, that Buffalo DAC looks interesting. Where do I sign up for a beta? ;)
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Brian Donegan wrote:
Also in the works is a new DAC based on the new ESS Sabre8 (ES9008) chip. We have some chips and are awaiting the beta boards for testing. This should be big...
So is this going to be a drop in replacement/alternative for the Opus DAC? Will it accept input from the Metronome or is this not required with this design. Actually looking at it, it does not seem to accept I2S input? What will be it's power supply? Will it output to a Balsie or direct, I'm a bit confused as it appears it can be a current or a voltage dac? Sorry about all the questions, but you know me and if I didn't ask, someone else would. give uss all an idea about how it fits into the current range, certainly looks very interesting though. I've got a USB/Metronome/Opus/Balssie setup Russ
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The Buffalo is configured as a current output DAC for maximum performance (according to ESS). As such, it will require an I/V stage, which we will just happen to have available (IVY) with a resistor set specifically for this DAC.
The Sabre8 includes onboard S/PDIF receiver and ASRC, so a separate receiver and Metronome will not be needed, unless you want USB input.
For power, out LCDPS will be ideal.
More detail to follow...
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Definitely looking forward to impressions of the dac, it certainly looks impressive on paper :)
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Brian Donegan wrote:
The Sabre8 includes onboard S/PDIF receiver and ASRC, so a separate receiver and Metronome will not be needed, unless you want USB input...
...For power, out LCDPS will be ideal.
Many thanks Brian, so to get USB could I output I2s to this DAC's ASRC? Or would I have to go the USB to SPDIF route? Would one LCDPS power the Sabre8 and the IVY? Sorry for yet more questions.
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Hi Brian, Glad to see the news as you know I was following along at DIYaudio.
You said you couldn't figure out a better name then buffalo. How about SabreTooth.
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AudioBear wrote:Brian Donegan wrote:
The Sabre8 includes onboard S/PDIF receiver and ASRC, so a separate receiver and Metronome will not be needed, unless you want USB input...
...For power, out LCDPS will be ideal.
Many thanks Brian, so to get USB could I output I2s to this DAC's ASRC? Or would I have to go the USB to SPDIF route? Would one LCDPS power the Sabre8 and the IVY? Sorry for yet more questions. You can go I2S directly out of our USB module. No SPDIF required, but that would work too.
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Dougie085 wrote:Hi Brian, Glad to see the news as you know I was following along at DIYaudio.
You said you couldn't figure out a better name then buffalo. How about SabreTooth. A Sabre Tooth Buffalo? ;) Just Kidding, but atcually its a bit late now, as the PCBs are done. Just awaiting their delivery. Cheers! Russ
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Well those are the beta boards :) Actually I kind of like Sabretooth Buffalo...lol although not sure it will fit on the board!
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Well, now if someone drew me a nice sabretooth buffalo line art picture I could put on the PCB I would consider it. :) Edited by user Tuesday, March 18, 2008 2:16:01 PM(UTC)
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Do you guys have any general ideas of how much more the Buffalo is going to cost then the opus? I know you can't say exactly but I would guess you have an idea of the parts cost and what not now? By the way have you received the boards yet? ETA on those? :)
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I've been wondering as well...I've been roughly estimating double the cost of Opus, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was more or less. In other words, it's a complete guess on my part ;) I'm eagerly looking forward to news on this so I can pull the trigger on an IVY-league Buffalo, with an OTTO (just to switch spdif) and Optical module. And hey, I live an hour south of Buffalo, so I think the area definitely needs such a DAC ;)
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Yeah I was thinking maybe 150ish as well. If it is I think I may use 2 of them in mono mode for 2 channel.
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I plan on using a single module, but we'll see.
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