I'm preparing for a Buffalo II build in a couple of months and I want to do it right.

I've skimmed the IVY III and Legato descriptions, but I can't really figure out which one is right for me and why.

Why would I go with one over the other?? Is one superior??

Thanks.

OK - interesting. I think I'll start with the Legato and go from there.

As stated by TPA in another thread, if driving headphones (balanced) directly of IVY or Legato, IVY is better choice.
Certainly works for me driving Sennheiser HD540s (600 ohm) & HD800s (300 ohm) either individually or together (B32, which has integral IVY).
IVY has more than enough grunt for this application. Also have single-ended line outs for amplifier (not on at same time as headphones in practice, but have done it to prove it works).
If using a separate headphone amp, consider Legato. If you want simple, go IVY. Quality is certainly up to the HD800s playing 24bit/96k or redbook (CD) music.

The IVY provides better control of the bass with a sense of greater extension and drive. It also reveals everything there is good or bad in the high frequencies. Perhaps because of its use of negative feedback it is very revealing of power supply differences. You will want Tridents on the Buffalo 2 for certain, and the Placid is a better choice for powering the IVY. The Legato is warmer with a rounder bass. Full but not as extended and with a more toe tapping pace in contrast to the IVYs tight drive. The high frequencies are more relaxed and immediate, keeping a more coherent musical timing with the bass. There are definitely songs which I prefer to play on each of them. Electronic Synth based tracks and classical generally shines with the IVY while Female vocals and simple solo instruments are often more inviting with the Legato.

These comments refer to the original Legato. I will report on the Legato 2 when I have the time.

Based on the last two comments, I may go for the IVY instead of the Legato. I'd hate to give up extension and detail. The pendulum swings again. Definitely planning on the Tridents. As pelliott123 indicated, I just may need to try both!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I agree with Russ, the legato is lacking NOTHING! I have both IVY and Lagato and with my System I am leaning toward the IVY. I may switch back at some point, that why I suggests to try them both. I listen to maggy IIIa's which allows you to hear the difference quite readily.

It is about 1.5V The reason is I did not want people to have to attenuate the signal much for normal listening, thus geting as much of the true signal as possible.

It is possible, but the amount of noise + distortion will rise significantly. It's much like building a V8 motor and using only 6 cilinders.

If you can rewire your headphones to balanced, the IVY can be used as a balanced head amp straight out of the balanced outputs, in addition to putting the DAC in current mode, thus affording better snr and thd numbers. Thus you can get benefits at "both ends"