Hi,
I've build the 32S using separate power supplies for the left and right channel (all toroids are in a separate metal enclosure inside the housing). I've got 2 x optical and 2 x coax input, through the 4:1 MUX. It's not the neatest wiring job in the world but I don't think it's a disaster either. I've kept all settings on the 32S board as default.
Everything works fine, all inputs are good. The DAC sounds good, but I'm not hearing the improvement I was hoping for. Compared to my SACD player (a Sony, don't know model of the top of my head, but it was cheap 5 years ago) it's just a bit better. But when I compare it to my Zhaolu 2.5D, it's really hard to tell the difference. I think I hear a bit more 'tight' bass, and the overall presence seem smoother (my Zhaolu has a bit of a nasty hard edge in high-mid/treble) and more coherent. But the difference is really marginal, and could be just wishful thinking. I've not done any blind listening test, but I don't think I'd be able to tell which is which.

I've joined AGND and GND on the DAC as instructed, and cut the traces at the output (using amp only, no headphones). Voltages seem to be perfect. I did connect the GND connections of the MUX board and Volumite to the chassis together with the AC cable ground, perhaps this was not a good idea? Also, I did have one snafu during building: I connected my signal and ground wires the wrong way round (dumb, I know, was too enthusiastic) for the left channel (the right channel I did get right). The DAC ran for about 15 minutes connected to my amp while troubleshooting this. I wouldn't be surprised if I damaged the DAC board in some way because of this, but then I'd expect more major problems than what I have. Could I have killed something there?

I'm using the Buffalo with a Dussun DS-99 amp, going into Anthony Gallo Reference 3.1 speakers. And I've not used the thump busters, the thump was not that big anyway.

Any advice is appreciated,
Thx,
Ton

Edited by user Thursday, October 1, 2009 8:01:46 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I would agree with you that what is huge to some may be a small difference to others. I'm also new at this, and don't have 'golden ears'. Yet ;-)
But I would expect to hear a bit more difference between the two DACS. As this is this the first time I build something like this, I think I may have made a simple mistake somewhere. Of course, it could be that I'm pushing the limits of my amp. That's on my shortlist to upgrade anyway :-)
Don't get me wrong, I do like the sound of the Buffalo a lot, better than the Zhaolu. Still suprised they seem so similar even though they're completely different beasties.

You could consider turning the PSU's 90 degrees anticlockwise and thereby shorten up the wires.

Keep the wires to the Volumite away from the PS lines.

Nice enclosure

I've moved the Volmite wire so it's a lot further away from the power supply wires.
I still have the same two questions though, if anyone has an answer I would apreciate it.
1. Connection grounds of several parts, the MUX, powersupplies and Buf together but not connecting them to the GND of the case (and the power cable earth), this was the right way to build wasn't it?
2. Could I have damaged something when I made the wiring mistake (reversing GND and '+' on the left channel, as described in my first post)?

The source component will have the least difference compared to other components; I'd say i'd be upgrading your amp if you really want a significant change, the other components are higher level and you will probably also realise more from the dac as well as the speakers;