Twisted Pear Buffalo Sabre DAC

[Gautama]

What is the purpose of the IVY, in layman's terms?

[naamanf]

<-Refreshing the home page.

Brian, what changes are required for the IVY?

[Russ White]

Originally Posted by pabbi1

OK, idiotic question du jour: Will this be a drop in replacement for the OPUS, and will it work with the s/pdif receiver?

Yes it will work with the Wm8804 SPDIF receiver, but it would be redundant as the Buffalo already has a much better SPDIF receiver on board.

The Buffalo will take SPDIF, I2S, and DSD without any modification.

Cheers!
Russ

[Russ White]

And Yes you can use it as a drop in replacement for the Opus. Into a high impedance it will look like a voltage output DAC. The output impedance is about 195-ohms.

[Russ White]

Originally Posted by ezkcdude

I'm so tempted...does the Sabre DAC module have an SPDIF input? If so, I think I could run the current output from the Sabre DAC into the I/V section of one of my ezDAC boards. What is the current level coming out of the DAC, Brian?

Yes the Buffalo module sports SPDIF input, as well as PCM, and DSD.

The current output is equivalent to 1.5246Vp in series with 195-ohms. With a bias voltage at 1.65V (center of VA).

That works out to about 7.5ma peak swing at each output centered at -8.448mA so about 15ma-pp.

Cheers!
Russ

[Russ White]

Originally Posted by naamanf

<-Refreshing the home page.

Brian, what changes are required for the IVY?

Changes in relation to what? COD?

Basically to use an IVY that was configured for COD, just add 4 resistors of 178-221 ohms at the inputs instead of the jumpers. 187 ohms will get you exactly at 2VRMS peaks.
Cheers!
Russ

[Russ White]

Originally Posted by Gautama

What is the purpose of the IVY, in layman's terms?

IVY is a super symmetrical balanced output current to voltage converter with a filter and a balanced to single ended converter and output.

It takes the output from the Buffalo as a current source and outputs a buffered voltage at 2VRMS redbook standard consumer audio levels.

Cheers!
Russ

[FallenAngel]

So do we have a preliminary availability date on one of these Buffalo DACs?

EDIT: Sorry just checked the site. Getting all excited

[Russ White]

Originally Posted by TimJo

So everything up to the output stage is now on a single board.

You can actually use the Buffalo voltage output, it just won't be at 2VRMS peaks, and the distorion will not be nearly as good.

I would not try a simple passive resistor to GND I/V approach either as it will have significantly more distortion and less DNR than an good active I/V converter like the IVY.

Cheers!
Russ

[Gautama]

In a subjective order of magnitude, how much better is this than the Opus?

[Russ White]

Originally Posted by Gautama

In a subjective order of magnitude, how much better is this than the Opus?

I am probably not the one who should answer that as I can't really be as objective as I would like... so I won't answer it directly.

What I will say is I have not heard any better DAC (and I have heard quite a few) especially for Hi Res content. At 192/24 and 96/24 it really excels where other DACs digital filters tend to muddy things up.

Its also not really a fair fight as to get the Opus even close (jitter rejection wise) you would have to add the Metronome.

That said. I still like the Opus, and will not be getting rid of mine. It still has a lot great character of its own.

Cheers!
Russ

[naamanf]

Mine is on order. Really look forward to giving it a whirl!

[Russ White]

Originally Posted by naamanf

Mine is on order. Really look forward to giving it a whirl!

Funny, about half the DACs were gone in like 5 minutes. No kidding... Wild.

Brian is trying to pick himself up off the floor.

Cheers!
Russ

[Nebby]

Damn, I really want to pick up a kit, but I won't be home for a while Can't wait to hear impressions from everyone that's picked up one though

[fierce_freak]

I figured turnout would be big, so I was nervous about getting the ordrer in...all worked out though