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Hi all.
I'm interested in assembling a Buffalo IIISE DAC. I've built heaps of valve amps, but I know next to nothing about digital audio, so please bear with my rudimentary questions. I would like to produce something with enough inputs for: 1) cd player over toslink, 2) DVD player with coaxial out, 3) usb macbook, and 4) digital out from a modern smart TV that I've yet to buy.
I have 7 Questions listed below. I would be very grateful if anyone could provide some advice.
1) would it be worthwhile running the output into my tube pre-amp (which I like very much) or straight to my power amps? I've been bi-amping a couple of horns and a couple of mid-woofers. The signal splitting is currently done in my analogue preamp. I ask because I don't know if the answer will dictate changes in the Buffalo output stage.
2) I don't understand how to control the Buffalo's 'built in volumite functionality'. Do I need more hardware for this?
3) Other than the parts list below, are there any random other things I will need (jacks, etc.)?
4) This is my current idea of the parts list. Is there anything I'm missing or anything I don't need?
A) BUFFALO-IIISE with Tridents/AVCC
B) PLACID HD
C) S/PDIF 4:1 MUX/RECEIVER
D) USB RECEIVER 60 *** out of stock
E) TOSLINK module
F) IVY III + PLACID HD BP Combo
G) 9+9 transformer
H) 15+15 transformer
I) chassis and IEC power stuff
5) would 20VA toroids work for the 15+15 transformers? The TPA store sells a beefier 30VA version.
6) Any ideas when the USB module might be in stock? If not, are there other simple options for this elsewhere?
and lastly,
7) Given that I have to ask these questions, am I doomed to failure?! No need to answer this one!
Sincere thanks for any input.
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1. In general I like a short signal path, as this usually means less distortion. Thus getting rid of as much components as possible should prove beneficial. There is no better judge than you however to say what you like best. So build the DAC, and try both. This is DIY, you have that freedom. You don't need extra parts, it's just a bit of additional wiring to the amps.
2. This is decribed in the guide, page 57. You don't need additional hardware.
3. Yes, you will need jacks. You might also need a switch, plus some other parts. Suggestions for most parts of the BOM can also be found in the guide.
4. Nothing major.
5. I would suggest going UP, not down in size. The BIIISE isn't a cheap DIY project, skimping on parts like the transformer is a bad idea.
6. This may take quite a while, as a new module is being developed. No ETA is given. If time isn't on your side, you could try the Amanero USB module.
7. Those that do ask questions about things they think they don't understand have a better chance of success than those that don't ask anything at all.
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Rank: Member
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Thanks Leon.
I'm sure I can hold off on the USB module for a while. I have no idea how I missed your B3 integration guide. My apologies. My questions resulted from looking at the Legacy BII manual.
Excited about the build.
Cheers.
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Originally Posted by: harmonicLoFi  Hi all.
7) Given that I have to ask these questions, am I doomed to failure?! No need to answer this one!
Sincere thanks for any input. If I can do it, my guess is you can do it, just drive them crazy with questions like I did :) Leon's guide is great & will make a BIG difference to how easy the build will be.
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