Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 3/9/2009(UTC)
Posts: 8
|
Hello, I have a DAC which uses a ultraanalog D20400A DAC chip which has died. As far as I can tell, this is a voltage output DAC so am I right in saying that it should be possible to replace the DAC module with a Buffalo DAC (i.e. basically using the line-stage of the DAC with the Buffalo DAC)? What problems might arise out of this? Thanks! Edited by user Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:56:23 AM(UTC)
| Reason: Not specified
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration, Customer
Joined: 10/24/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,868
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Thanks: 2 times
Was thanked: 141 time(s) in 134 post(s)
|
It seems you found an original replacement for $150. I would go that route.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 3/9/2009(UTC)
Posts: 8
|
Thanks Brian for your answer. It turns out the replacement part was not exactly the correct one. Is the Buffalo DAC as a replacement not going to work? Or not likely to sound good? Or not likely to sound better than the original?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration, Customer
Joined: 10/24/2006(UTC)
Posts: 2,868
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Thanks: 2 times
Was thanked: 141 time(s) in 134 post(s)
|
*If* it's a voltage output DAC, you could use a Buffalo in it's place. You could also use an Opus, which is actually more feasible now that the Buffalo32s will have an integrated I/V stage.
If it is a current output DAC, which sounds likely from what others were saying on head-fi, it would likely not work with the Buffalo, as the I/V stage needs to be matched tot he current output of the DAC. Since the Buffalo has a very high current output compared to most other DACs, I am betting it will not work without a lot of work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 3/9/2009(UTC)
Posts: 8
|
Well it was only one person on Head-case that suggested it might be a current output DAC. After much digging, I've managed to find the datasheet of the D20400A which I believe indicates it's a voltage output DAC. D20400A datasheetActually, I already have managed to source a Buffalo DAC. I understand from the manual that the Buffalo DAC has better DNR and THD when using current output. Do you have a link to the actual difference in performance? Is there anything you have to do to switch it from current output to voltage output? Thanks once again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration, Customer
Joined: 10/24/2006(UTC)
Posts: 3,979
Location: Nashville, TN
Thanks: 25 times
Was thanked: 89 time(s) in 83 post(s)
|
Hi, the difference is not much. And it only applies to THD (a few db say -114db compared to -117db). The DNR will be virtually the same.
Cheers!
Russ
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.
