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Other Stuff => Archived Manufacturer Circles => Paul Hynes, Paul Hynes Design => Topic started by: Paul Hynes on 10 Feb 2010, 11:19 am

Title: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 10 Feb 2010, 11:19 am
Hi Folks,

I have had a number of enquiries for a full regulator kit for the new Buffalo II DAC and IVY III modules. Unfortunately the DAC and I/V modules require rather a lot of very high performance regulators to achieve the optimum performance that the Sabre DAC/IVY combination is capable of. A full set of high performance regulator modules adds up in the cost department. My offer of a quantity discount for the full kit price for the Buffalo 32 was well received and I am offering a similar discount for the Buffalo II and IVY high performance regulator kits. For those who wish to upgrade in stages rather than buy a full kit I have also listed the individual regulator prices.

Individual prices :

For Buffalo II
Z1703v3 shunt regulator for replacing LT1763-3v3 on DVCC                £30
Z1703v3 shunt regulator for replacing TP’s shunt reg on AVCC             £30
S1701v2 ultra low noise series regulator for VDD                                 £36
Z1A-05 medium power shunt regulator module for VD                         £60

For IVY III
Z1A-15 shunt regulator                                                                    £60
Z1N-15 negative shunt regulator                                                       £60

Full Kit prices :

For Buffalo II
2 off Z1703v3 shunt regulator for replacing LT1763-3v3 on DVCC         £60
2 off Z1703v3 shunt regulator for replacing TP’s shunt reg on AVCC      £60
1 off S1701v2 ultra low noise series regulator for VDD                          £36
1 off Z1A-05 medium power shunt regulator module for VD                   £60
Normal total                                                                                    £216
Less 25% Discount                                                                            £54
Buffalo II discount price                                                                    £162

For IVY III
3 off Z1A-15 shunt regulator                                                            £180
3 off Z1N-15 negative shunt regulator                                               £180
Normal total                                                                                    £360
Less 25% Discount                                                                            £90
IVY III discount price                                                                        £270

Insured carriage and packing cost will vary depending on order quantity so I will quote this individually. Lead time also varies depending on work load so check at time of order. Payments can be via Paypal by sending funds in GBP to paul@paulhynesdesign.com.

These regulator modules can also be used with the ackoDAC and any other Sabre DAC projects. If you have any applications questions about using these regulators with the Buffalo and IVY modules feel free to discuss them on this thread so everyone can learn and have an applications resource to refer to for their upgrades. I will check the thread regularly and chip in when required. If you prefer not to post on forums just e-mail me and I will help where possible.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: HAL on 10 Feb 2010, 02:12 pm
Paul,
Have you tried any of the regulators with the TPA Opus DAC kit?  Would be interesting to hear opinions of these for the WM8804 S/PDIF, Opus and Ballsie boards. 

Thanks!
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 10 Feb 2010, 03:12 pm
HAL,

I cannot give you first hand experience with the Opus kit. However I have not yet heard of a situation where my regulators have not given a good audible upgrade. All I need are the voltage requirements and load current parameters to set an optimised regulator up for your requirements. With this information I can give you a quote. Include the shipment destination and I can quote for shipping too. If you find that the regulator upgrade is not giving a worthwhile improvement in audible performance you can always send the regulator back for a full refund including carriage both ways.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: HAL on 10 Feb 2010, 03:37 pm
Paul,
Thanks for the reply.  Will be building the Opus DAC kit and looking at the power requirements.

Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: poseidonsvoice on 11 Feb 2010, 11:58 pm
HAL,

.... If you find that the regulator upgrade is not giving a worthwhile improvement in audible performance you can always send the regulator back for a full refund including carriage both ways.

Regards
Paul

Except you won't be sending it back  :wink: :eyebrows:

Anand.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Spirit02 on 8 Apr 2010, 07:10 am
Hi Paul,

Just wondering what current the shunts are set to supply 'by default'?

Cheers,
Phil
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 8 Apr 2010, 12:47 pm
Hi Phil,

The current settings vary depending on the dissipation capabilities of the regulator power devices. The input voltage and output voltage setting will dictate the range of available currents. This needs to be assessed based on application.

The standard Z17 type mini shunt regs typically provide a minimum of 80 ma at low voltages. I can beef this up for a Z1703v3 if it is fed from a 5 volt rail, by changing the current source device to a larger die version and adjusting the current setting resistor to suit the up-rated device. I have had a Z1703v3 with 5v input providing 200ma without thermal issues. The 1206 size surface mount resistor near the leadout wires sets the regulator current.

I usually set the Z1A/Z1N shunt regs to 230ma unless otherwise requested. There is a large 1W surface mount resistor on the track-side of the board that sets the regulator current. These regs can provide 500ma with the input voltage set to around 6 volts higher than the output voltage.

If you or others wish to adjust the available current of these regulators the current setting resistor value can be changed and I will be pleased to advise regarding adjustment. To ensure that the regulator power devices remain within ratings I would prefer to check operating parameters such as regulator input voltage as well as load current requirements and regulator output voltage before advising which resistor value to use.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Spirit02 on 13 Apr 2010, 01:48 pm
Hi Paul,

That's helpful, thankyou.

I presume then that the Z1P(A?)-05 in my possession is currently set to 230ma?
According to the Buff2 manual, VD supply requires '5-5.5V and approximately 290ma'.

I'll be feeding the Z1P-05 from a 15VA 2x9V transformer, into SF12/panasonic FC-based CRC. Will have exact voltage readings tomorrow.
What value resistor should I use to supply 350ma? Any particular type you recommend?

Cheers,
Phil
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 13 Apr 2010, 04:10 pm
Hi Phil,

The Z1A board was designed before I began expanding my range of regulator modules and when it was time for stock replenishment I re-named it Z1P to match the coding arrangements I now use.

The 1W surface mount resistor on the track side should read 3R3 to give around 350ma available for the load. This is what I set the reg at for Buffalo Vd regulation. Can you confirm this resistor value as I have had a couple of customers with the wrong setting for other projects. Your regs were part of a large batch made with different settings for different projects and I fear they may have been mixed up when packing. If this is the case I do apologise and will send you replacement resistors by Airmail.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Spirit02 on 14 Apr 2010, 01:55 am
Your regs were part of a large batch made with different settings for different projects and I fear they may have been mixed up when packing.
Hi Paul,

It is in fact 4R7 :(

What will this be supplying?

Cheers,
Phil
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 14 Apr 2010, 08:13 am
I'm so sorry Phil,

I have sent you standard issue which will give you around 235ma. I will send some 3R3 in this mornings post. I will make sure it goes by a fast air survice.

If anyone else has been sent the wrong item get back to me and I will ensure things are corrected for you. If you are not sure about this, the symptom of restricted current availability is that the regulator cannot reach the voltage it has been set for as the load is trying to draw the regulator circuit operating current.

Regards
Paul

Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 15 Apr 2010, 09:31 am
Hi Phil,

I air-mailed you a couple of resistors yesterday morning. However they may be delayed as I noticed that airports across the UK are closed due to large dust clouds from the Icelandic volcanic eruption passing over the country.

If you want to get your project running quickly just fit a 3R3 1W 1% resistor in place of the 4R7 on the board. If you can't find 3R3 1W locally, you could wire 2 x 6R8 0.5W in parallel or 3 x 10R 0.3W in parallel. There are no dynamic current changes through this resistor so you can use a small wire wound resistor if this is more convenient.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Spirit02 on 15 Apr 2010, 01:03 pm
Hi Paul,

Thanks for the mail.

The only 1W 3R3 ones I can readily get locally are 5%...

Cheers,
Phil
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 15 Apr 2010, 01:15 pm
Hi Phil,

5% will be fine to get you going until the ones I have sent arrive. The worst case tolerance will still give you approximately 330ma.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Spirit02 on 15 Apr 2010, 01:26 pm
Fantastic.

Cheers for the help :)
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Spirit02 on 16 Apr 2010, 06:11 am
One last question...

3.3V mini-shunts have 3 pins - I / O / AG
The 1.2V one has I / O / G

How do these correspond to the holes at the Buffalo end, which are marked VDD/GND/VD (1.2V one),
 VDD_XO / GND / VD (3.3V) and VD / GND / DVCC (also 3.3V)?
Ditto for the Sabre supplies too - DVCC/AVCC/GND/VD.

Cheers,
Phil
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 16 Apr 2010, 12:43 pm
Hi Phil,

I still haven’t managed to get a Buffalo II module yet so I haven’t been able to set one up with the high performance regs to check all the current levels. The kit of regs is based on orders made by experienced modders upgrading Buff II and I haven’t had much feedback yet.

Looking at the TP Manual and the module board shown on the TP website, Russ states that he has a VD terminal on the supply headers. I assume this means all these VD terminals are connected to the VD input on the left of the board. This is convenient as you can use each VD terminal as the input feed for the local regs input lead.

3.3V mini-shunts have 3 pins - I / O / AG
The 1.2V one has I / O / G

The AG terminal refers to the adjustment terminal on three terminal regs with the LM317 pinout. On the mini-shunt this terminal is the ground terminal. Components used to set LM317 type adjustable regs are not required with the mini-shunts.

How do these correspond to the holes at the Buffalo end, which are marked VDD/GND/VD (1.2V one),
 VDD_XO / GND / VD (3.3V) and VD / GND / DVCC (also 3.3V)?
Ditto for the Sabre supplies too - DVCC/AVCC/GND/VD.

For installation on the Buff II board you will need to insulate the leads on the miniregs to avoid shorts when wires are crossed over. PTFE or Teflon sleeving is good for this.

On the miniregs the corresponding pins are :

I = VD
O = VDD or VDD_XO or DVCC or AVCC
G = GND

Adding all the possible mini shunts on the TP board will require an increase in the available current from the VD 5 volt supply to allow for the extra current draw from VD. I have sent you two 3R3 resistors in the mail earlier this week. When you change the current setting resistor on the Z1P-05v regulator solder one 3R3 resistor in place first then solder another 3R3 resistor on top of it effectively putting it in parallel to give 1R65. This will set the Z1P output current to around 730ma.

I hope this helps.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Nikola on 21 Aug 2010, 08:14 pm
I feel the urge to share my experience with the regulators that I got from Paul, smiling all the time that I am writing.

 In the email I sent to him I used the word PROFOUND to describe the change I heard after installing them and I will still use capital letters when I describe how happy I am, this is some of the best money I have spent in so many years in audio, thank you so much Paul!

Now, the Buffalo II is one fine DAC, I have described elsewhere how happy I was with my Audio Syntesis DAX-2, EAD DSP 7000 Mk3 with rare PCM63 Y grade chips but the ESS Sabre chips is really so good at bringing music to life that I just had to buy the Buffalo II and play with it. I had a friend design a tube I/V stage for me and not optimal as it is it still sounded so good that I was already questioning the superiority of my Exemplar 3910 - the finest RB sound I had heard to date. Then I read about the PH regs and the favorable reviews they get and I decided to try them as there is a 60 day money back guarantee. I had to wait some 2 months as Paul is making everything by hand but when I first turned on the Buffalo after the install I was really amazed at what I was hearing - beautiful details, fantastic decays, absolute transparency! If anyone is serious about getting out the best of the Buffalo II they ought themselves to hear what these small regs can do, obviously the chip is very sensitive to power delivery. Music is so much more involving now and I invited some friends to confirm that I have not lost my mind and all of them could not believe what they were hearing, we all got goosebumps on several track - I am one very happy guy at the moment, suddenly I get back to the idea of just listening more to music instead of tweaking (have you had that feeling recently? with me it happens when I like the way my system sounds).  Again, I had great expectations from Paul's set but it has surpassed them in every way, thank you very much man!

Last but not least I would like to thank Phil (Spirit02) who was very helpful and patient and made the install a breeze with his instructions, great guys, you two!
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: poseidonsvoice on 21 Aug 2010, 08:19 pm
Paul makes the finest shunt regulators, hands down.

That's some pretty awesome digital pedigree you have there. Nice to see the Buffalo II hold its own, and of course with the help of Paul's regulators.

I'm a customer for life as long as he supports diy'ers.

Anand.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: flocchini on 22 Aug 2010, 03:31 pm
Nikola:

Can you post pictures?

Thanks

Bob
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Nikola on 23 Aug 2010, 09:46 am
Hi there,

Here is an attempt but I am definitely not very good with my ancient digital camera...  :oops: The last picture was supposed to show how I bent one of the legs of the regs to go over the other two insted of crossing them and using insulation, unfortunately it did not come out as expected. Please let me know if you need any details, this is not a finished project yet but it is already amazing.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=34481)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=34482)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=34483)
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: flocchini on 23 Aug 2010, 02:22 pm
Thanks Nikola:

I like your set-up

I have received my regulators from Paul and in September will be putting everything together.
I have a separate 6V "pre- regulator" to provide VD to the new boards. My assumption is that I will not connect the VD pins on the new shunt boards to the DAC but connect these directly to my pre-regulator.

Thanks for  the photos.

Best

Bob
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: rklein on 23 Aug 2010, 03:53 pm
I also am looking to possibly build the Buffalo II and get Paul Hyne's regs.  A noobie question for sure but when ordering the Buffalo II, do I still need to order the Placid Power Supply as well as the Placid BP Power Supply for the IVY-III I/V line stage if I am using Paul's regs?

Thanks,

Randy
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: multibit16 on 23 Aug 2010, 04:27 pm
Nice work guys  8)
I've been listening to BII + IVYIII  using mainly stock regulation on the dacs board with Z1P/Z1N shunts for the IVY.
I also briefly compared a pair of z1703v3 shunts (borrowed from Monica3 dac)  against TP's supplied shunts for the AVCC L&R.    The onboard sockets allows easy comparisons ,  sorry guys but imho Pauls shunts bring a very noticeable increase in performance over the supplied TP shunts especially in the upper mid and HF  :o 

A PR3G2 or Z1P  can be used as a regulated psu, if using Z1P you need a rectifier + smoothing cap

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj220/kingbusoms/psuBII-1.jpg)

Or as an alternative Z1P set for 5v -5v5   

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj220/kingbusoms/psuBII1.jpg)

For IVY / Legato etc

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj220/kingbusoms/psuIVYIIImk4.jpg)
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: rklein on 23 Aug 2010, 05:08 pm
Mulitbit16

Wonderful diagram!! :thumb:

According to your post it looks like I would just order the Buffalo II without the Placid PS as well as just the IVYIII without the BP Placid? 

One other question... you have 2 x 0-15 transformers listed but there are 3 transformers in your diagram in regards ti the IVYIII.  In addition, are the transformers from Twisted Pear?

Thanks,

Randy
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: richidoo on 23 Aug 2010, 05:44 pm
Thanks for the great pictures multibit.  That lets me see which regs go to which parts of DAC/output.   :thumb:   Now I just have to consider the price, as I already have 3 Placids in hand, and 3 of the previous TP regs too in my Buff32. I'll find another use for them.  :wink:

Yes, you can buy the transformers from TP, if they have stock. They sell Abel transformers. Or order them yourself from Mouser, etc. 

rklein, Technically, you could get by with 1 transformer to power all 6 regulators on IVY/Legato. But using PH regs is about getting the maximum performance possible. By using 3 transformers you create a pure discreet power supply for each amplifier section. This, in theory, would prevent any crosstalk between channels occuring within a single transformer's secondary winding, and it provides maximum magnetic reserve for each power supply, instead of sharing energy reserve among the channels. IMO crosstalk and sag is highly unlikely with PH regulators and a big enough tranny and power supply, which these are. But one thing you learn in DIY is that every change is audible, so the three transformers will probably sound better in some way however small. Plus, DIY is about expressing one's desire for perfection at value prices. A DIY project is a work of art and pride, so going overboard is half the fun. Triple mono power supply for output stage is definitely perfection oriented!!  :thumb:  Compared to the regulators, the transformers are a minor cost. You just need some extra room to fit them all.   :D

If you don't use the Bal/SE output then you don't need to power that section, and would only need 2 transformers. You might like to have SE conversion at some point later on, so leave room for the tranny in your case. 
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: multibit16 on 23 Aug 2010, 06:03 pm
Mulitbit16

Wonderful diagram!! :thumb:

According to your post it looks like I would just order the Buffalo II without the Placid PS as well as just the IVYIII without the BP Placid? 

One other question... you have 2 x 0-15 transformers listed but there are 3 transformers in your diagram in regards ti the IVYIII.  In addition, are the transformers from Twisted Pear?

Thanks,

Randy

Hi Randy,


The PH Z1P and Z1N are regulators so you still need a DC source . You can use unregulated supply's  after the transformers containing just the rectifiers and filter caps or you can use a regulated psu, something like TP's  Placids .
Which way is best really depends on the transformers your going to be using, if their voltage is quite high it would be best to go for a regulated psu used as pre regulation for the Z1A/Z1N to prevent  over heating from the large voltage drop required on the output.

The transformers I use are what I had spare brought cheap from a radio rally,  I built the unregulated psu's on vero board using discrete diodes for the rectifier and a suitable sized electrolytic cap for the filter.   

In the picture I'll be using 3 x separate transformers for the IVY  running its 3 stages separate,  each transformers dual output provides each stage its +/-v source so really it should be marked as 12 x 0-15v .  It could be considered overkill  or optimal running like this, it all depends how far you want to shove things  :lol:
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: multibit16 on 23 Aug 2010, 06:07 pm
Spot on  richidoo   :thumb:   You explained better than me  :wink:
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Spirit02 on 24 Aug 2010, 04:05 am
Hi Paul,

Is it possible to change the output voltage of the Z1P-05 to 5.5V without returning it to you?

Cheers,
Phil

P.S. Nikola - looking good mate ;)
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 24 Aug 2010, 01:57 pm
Nice work folks. Thanks for posting your project pictures. This really is a big help to other DIY enthusiasts.

Hi Phil,


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=34545)

Hope this helps.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Spirit02 on 24 Aug 2010, 02:34 pm
That's fantastic, thanks :)

I should have asked earlier  :duh:
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: dboy on 25 Aug 2010, 02:55 pm
Hi,

I'm hoping to order a board from Paul to supply the main VD for my new Buffalo II (very impressed indeed with what his PR3GAP2 did for my Black Gated Charlize amp!).

Paul - can it be supplied set to give the slightly higher voltage as shown above (assuming you build to order)? What about current supply (Buffalo II drawing 290mA, but I will also be using a volumite)?

I'm tempted by the full kit of regs, but am real clumsy at soldering and don't want to send my DAC skywards. Anybody care to comment on how easy the full replacement is for a clutz? And anyone care to comment on degree of improvement gained by partial replacement (VD supply only, VD & AVCC etc.). Best partial combination?

Thanks in advance  :D,

Dave


Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 25 Aug 2010, 06:46 pm
Hi Dave,

Glad you like the PR3.

I can give you 5v48 +/-2% with standard value resistors as a standard order. If you want it trimming closer I will have to charge for this. You will just need to mention this at the time of order. I have been setting the shunt regulator current at 540ma recently to take account of the current draw with a full set of mini shunt regs. It is easy enough to vary this by changing the value of the 1W current set resistor.

Multibit16 has prepared some first class drawings further up the page. If you can follow his drawings you should have no difficulty. The PR3, Z1P and Z1N regs have screw terminals. If you do any soldering just use a good soldering iron of around 50 watts rating. This will make the solder flow quickly so you can remove the iron quickly,  reducing the risk of damage due to prolonged heat application. Use a good solder too. I use Warton Metals Omega 96% tin, 4 % silver and this flows very well.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: dboy on 25 Aug 2010, 08:35 pm
Thanks for that info Paul.

I think my problem is physical clumsiness more than anything else. But maybe I am being too much of a wimp - I still remember the disappointment of frying my first Charlize, and at about 1/3 the price of a Buffalo II!

I would only be getting regs for the Buffalo board by the way as I am using a transformer rather than IVY on the output (Sowter 3575 with OCC wire - absolutely huge soundstage in test setup with inappropriate power supply and not even burned in!).

I read above that a simple diode bridge and cap are enough to supply the Z1A-05. Could I ask what cap value would be optimal? And Multibit, do you consider the PR3 board a better option than Z1P (sonically) for VD?

Thanks,

Dave
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: dboy on 26 Aug 2010, 03:17 pm
Hi again Paul,

I woke up feeling impetuous, and have now removed L6-8 and the AVCC module. Getting the AVCC off cleanly didn't happen   :?, but I guess I have to press forward and order the full set of regs now, hoping that my Buffalo will forgive me this clumsiness.

I'll email you direct about placing the order.

Dave




Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: poseidonsvoice on 27 Aug 2010, 12:49 pm
Thanks for the great pictures multibit.  That lets me see which regs go to which parts of DAC/output.   :thumb:   Now I just have to consider the price, as I already have 3 Placids in hand, and 3 of the previous TP regs too in my Buff32. I'll find another use for them.  :wink:

Yes, you can buy the transformers from TP, if they have stock. They sell Abel transformers. Or order them yourself from Mouser, etc. 

rklein, Technically, you could get by with 1 transformer to power all 6 regulators on IVY/Legato. But using PH regs is about getting the maximum performance possible. By using 3 transformers you create a pure discreet power supply for each amplifier section. This, in theory, would prevent any crosstalk between channels occuring within a single transformer's secondary winding, and it provides maximum magnetic reserve for each power supply, instead of sharing energy reserve among the channels. IMO crosstalk and sag is highly unlikely with PH regulators and a big enough tranny and power supply, which these are. But one thing you learn in DIY is that every change is audible, so the three transformers will probably sound better in some way however small. Plus, DIY is about expressing one's desire for perfection at value prices. A DIY project is a work of art and pride, so going overboard is half the fun. Triple mono power supply for output stage is definitely perfection oriented!!  :thumb:  Compared to the regulators, the transformers are a minor cost. You just need some extra room to fit them all.   :D

If you don't use the Bal/SE output then you don't need to power that section, and would only need 2 transformers. You might like to have SE conversion at some point later on, so leave room for the tranny in your case.

And if you want to go a level above, you build the Buffalo II dual mono (that's two Buffalo II boards!). That's what I will be doing in addition to what multibit showed above in his AWESOME diagrams! See here (http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/twisted-pear/166975-legato-ivy-iii-outputs-buffalo-ii-9.html#post2273064).

Anand.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: rklein on 27 Aug 2010, 01:23 pm
Quote
A PR3G2 or Z1P  can be used as a regulated psu, if using Z1P you need a rectifier + smoothing cap

I would very much appreciate if someone could explain in a little more detail how the unregulated psu's on vero board using discrete diodes for the rectifier and a suitable sized electrolytic cap for the filter are built.  I tried looking for them from Multibit16's posted pics but it seems they are under the PH regs for the IVY III.  Paul Hynes emailed me and said he has PS1 boards with Schottky barrier diodes and Panasonic FC energy strorage capacitors.  However, they cost $40 each.  While I will probably end up buying all of Paul's regs that Multibit employs in his DAC, including the PR3G2 for the Buffalo II board, I would like to build the 6 boards containing the rectifier and filter cap for the IVY III to keep the cost of this Buffalo II down.

Thanks,

Randy


Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: dboy on 27 Aug 2010, 01:35 pm
I edited my post above to redirect my question to Multibit rather than Paul, but would like to ask again (hoping that is not impolite) for Multibit or indeed anybody with experience or an opinion - would the PR3 board provide a sonic advantage over the Z1P?

I agree about the diagrams too, as well as all the other info - fantastic help, especially for a noob like me!! Enormous thanks!

Dave.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: multibit16 on 30 Aug 2010, 08:01 am
I would very much appreciate if someone could explain in a little more detail how the unregulated psu's on vero board using discrete diodes for the rectifier and a suitable sized electrolytic cap for the filter are built.  I tried looking for them from Multibit16's posted pics but it seems they are under the PH regs for the IVY III.  Paul Hynes emailed me and said he has PS1 boards with Schottky barrier diodes and Panasonic FC energy strorage capacitors.  However, they cost $40 each.  While I will probably end up buying all of Paul's regs that Multibit employs in his DAC, including the PR3G2 for the Buffalo II board, I would like to build the 6 boards containing the rectifier and filter cap for the IVY III to keep the cost of this Buffalo II down.

Thanks,

Randy

Hi Randy,

Sorry for the late reply
As an example the simplest ones you just need a couple of sockets, piece of matrix board, 4 x diodes of your choice (I used UF4002 ) and a suitable rated cap/s  (I use 3300uf 35v Panasonic FC)  Of course

An example of a simple single diy rectifier module,  one of these modules are used for each unregulated supply, they can be easily wired for +v or -v rails.  Run all the grounds separate to the dac board

2 x pin sockets
4 x discrete diodes  (I used UF4002)   
1 x filter cap of suitable voltage and value  ( I used 3300uf 35v Panny FC)
1 x Piece of matrix board to build the rectifier modules on

You can of course use your own choice of diodes like Schottky etc and favourite filter caps, I used whatever I had . You can also add more filtering etc
Be sure the diodes are connected the right way around

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj220/kingbusoms/rectifier1.jpg)
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: multibit16 on 30 Aug 2010, 08:04 am
I edited my post above to redirect my question to Multibit rather than Paul, but would like to ask again (hoping that is not impolite) for Multibit or indeed anybody with experience or an opinion - would the PR3 board provide a sonic advantage over the Z1P?

I agree about the diagrams too, as well as all the other info - fantastic help, especially for a noob like me!! Enormous thanks!

Dave.

Hi Dave,
Both PR3 and Z1P are excellent ( I tried both),  the  advantage of PR3 is that it has  an onboard rectifier +  filter caps so its  a more compact solution compared to Z1P + external rectifier board.  Sonically I slightly preferred PR3 in this application although both gives great results.
Results may vary depending where and how you use the regs
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: rklein on 30 Aug 2010, 02:30 pm
Hi multibit16:

I greatly appreciate you taking the time to share this info in regards to my question. :thumb:  I posted this same question in The Lab Circle and Blair from Nightshade Audio came up with a different way to approach the regs connected to the output stage of the Buffalo II. 

I certainly plan on ordering from Paul most if not all his regs and PS's as they relate to the Buffalo II.  Thanks to you, Richidoo and Paul for being patient with me in regards to this future build project.

Thanks,

Randy
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: dboy on 30 Aug 2010, 05:01 pm
Ditto that - Thanks for sharing your experience there Multibit!  :D I have now ordered a full set from Paul, with PR3.

Do you (or anyone) find that 5.5v offers an advantage over 5v when using all Paul's regs? I understand Twisted Pair used an AVCC voltage slightly higher than 3.3v on their module (haven't got around to measuring it), but I am not sure if this is the main reason why they recommend 5.5v. I guess this depends on whether VD supplies anything other than the regs - which I am unclear on.

One other related question that has been playing on my mind - when we remove L6-8 from the Buffalo II board, are we removing the input to, or the output from, the onboard regs? If it is the output and VD only supplies the regs, then might it be a better option to supply the regs with 5-5.5v via wires direct from PR3 or Z1P and omit connecting to VD on the board completely?

Sorry if these are daft questions that I should already know the answers to!

Thanks,

Dave.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 1 Sep 2010, 09:47 am
Hi Folks,

I have been asked several times about using the PR3 regulator in place of the Z1P as a pre-regulator for the Buffalo II regulator set.

I have applied the same discount rate for the buffalo II kit with the PR3 replacing the Z1P.

The Buffalo II kit with the Z1P-05v5 is still £162 and insured carriage and packing for the kit in the UK is £8, in Europe is £12 and the rest of the world is £15.

The Buffalo II kit with the PR3-5v5 is £192 and insured carriage and packing for the kit in the UK is £10, in Europe is £14 and the rest of the world is £17.

Paypal payments are fine.

I hope this helps.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: multibit16 on 5 Sep 2010, 11:04 am
Just a quick a lash up,  I'll take more pics after regs for XO,VD and core have been updated
 
Currently trying Legato, I  lowered output voltage of Z1A/Z1N from 15v to 12v5, mainly because of transformers used but also reduced voltage makes Legato run cooler although it should be fine at +/-15v if your case is well ventilated

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj220/kingbusoms/BIIlegato.jpg)

Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: multibit16 on 18 Sep 2010, 11:29 pm
Once the SMD inductors on the underside of the BII pcb are removed to disconnect the  onboard regs (Core, VDD, XO)  it seems the caps going to the input of the stock regs are disconnected too .  It maybe worth trying adding input caps to the new regs to be fitted especially if the main supply source is not close to the regs,  I'm going to try some caps with the inputs to the PH regs

Also thing to note, even though the input of the stock regs is disconnected their output is still connected to the circuit so it may be worth doing a small track cut to isolate them from the PH  regs output 

(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj220/kingbusoms/P1090331.jpg)
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: poseidonsvoice on 19 Sep 2010, 04:02 am
Once the SMD inductors on the underside of the BII pcb are removed to disconnect the  onboard regs (Core, VDD, XO)  it seems the caps going to the input of the stock regs are disconnected too .  It maybe worth trying adding input caps to the new regs to be fitted especially if the main supply source is not close to the regs,  I'm going to try some caps with the inputs to the PH regs

Also thing to note, even though the input of the stock regs is disconnected their output is still connected to the circuit so it may be worth doing a small track cut to isolate them from the PH  regs output 

multibit,

I posed your question on the Buffalo II forum at diyaudio and Russ white has replied to it here (http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/twisted-pear/160782-buffalo-ii-80.html#post2307597).

Best,
Anand.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: dboy on 20 Nov 2010, 11:29 am
Hi Paul,

My regs arrived today - thanks. I have a couple of quick questions and thought I would ask here in case the info is useful to other readers.

- Two of the Z1703v3 regs are marked Z1703v3HP. Which locations on the BuffII board are the "HP" ones (higher power?) intended for?

- The PR3 board I got is designated PR3i-5v5 rather than PR3GAP. No rectification or reservoir caps appear to be onboard and the supplied sheet suggests this board needs 12v DC rather than 9vAC. Can you confirm the cap value that you consider optimal for a simple diode bridge and cap external supply and also what tolerance/range is likely to be acceptable for the 12v DC input? Also, I heard elsewhere that several lower value caps in parallel can be preferrable to one big one - would you (or anyone else) suggest that here?

(It is no problem adding the extra components, I just like my instructions idiot-proof).

Thanks in advance,

Dave

Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 22 Nov 2010, 12:59 pm
Hi Dave,

The standard Z1703v3 regulatorss are used for the AVCC supplies and the Z1703v3HP (high power) regulators are used for the VDD_XO(3.3V) and DVCC (3.3V).

Sorry I have sent you the wrong PR3 module (DC version). I have mixed up your order with another order that will battery powered. I am making PR3 modules this week so I will send you the correct AC input version once the batch is finished. If you send the DC input voltage PR3 back I will refund your carriage costs. The AC input PR3i board uses two energy storage caps in parallel and the capacitance value depends on the voltage rating required. In this case it would be 2 x 4700 uf 16 volt.

Regards
Paul


Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: dboy on 22 Nov 2010, 02:35 pm
Hi Paul,

Thanks for your reply. Does the AC input PR3 board contain extra circuitry besides the rectification diodes and 2 x 4700uF caps?

I ask because before getting your reply I was thinking in terms of dismantling the power section of a gainclone I made a few years ago and using the IXYS FRED bridge rectifier and 4 x Black Gate 1000uF Standard caps to supply the PR3. If I add an extra cap or caps to this arrangement to increase the uFs then does this seem likely to sound better than swapping boards with you? (I have a 6800uF Nichicon KG, 2 x 470uF BG FK & 2 x 220uF BG FK hanging around waiting for deployment, as well as 4 x 100uF BG N also on the redundant gainclone).

I am happy to send the board back for swapsies, but if a version of the supply described above seems likely to sound better then I am also very happy to go for that. Best sound quality is the goal and I am confident you will offer your opinion on that basis.

All the best,

Dave
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 22 Nov 2010, 05:24 pm
Hi Dave,

The PR3 AC module uses Schottky barrier diodes and Panasonic FC caps for rectification and energy storage. I chose these to give a very good all round performance. I think you will appreciate that this sort of product is price sensitive to a degree and if I were to fit such items as Black Gates (if available) in the required sizes for energy storage and IXYS FREDs the cost would be somewhat higher. If people wish to customise my products I am OK with that although I would be very careful doing this with the small shunt regulators I have sent you for the Buffalo II. The Z series regulators have an extraordinarily wide bandwidth and speed. Changing the caps on this board without a wide bandwidth scope (250 MHz or better) to check for stability could lead to problems.

The PR3 is less critical as far as component options are concerned so I would advise you to keep the DC version of the regulator and fit your IXYS FREDs and Black Gates for rectification and energy storage, as this should give you some performance improvement, although without trying it with the components you have, I cannot say how much.

The dropout voltage of the PR3 DC module I sent to you is around 5 volts so make sure you have around 12 volts DC input under worst-case conditions.  Remember to factor in any supply ripple on the raw DC supply as well as mains voltage droop at times of heavy load on the grid.

There is a cost difference between the PR3 AC and DC versions so I owe you a refund or a credit note for £15 allowing for the kit discount. I don’t mind which you choose.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: dboy on 23 Nov 2010, 11:28 am
Thanks for your guidance here Paul.

I will not attempt to modify the smaller regs. To PR3i I will add a bridge rectifier and a rail of caps of various values to roughly approximate a total value of 9400uF, perhaps finishing with 2x100uF BG N in super E configuration closest to the board input. Unless you advise against it I may also experiment with 2x100uF BG N in super E at the VD input of the Buffalo board, but will perhaps wait until later for this (to allow listening comparison). Based on my understanding of your advice above I may also replace the 470uF cap on the PR3i board with one of my spare BG's (unless you say no). All of the above depends on me not having damaged my Buffalo board with my clumsy desoldering of AVCC a few weeks ago. I should know later today.

£15 is very generous. Although I am sure I will be a customer again I will take it as a refund please, as my spending on this hobby has been rather excessive lately... and there is still more I want to do.  :duh:

Thanks again - your patience and generosity with your time makes it a real pleasure to do business with you.

Dave.

---I would also very greatly appreciate the comments of any other forum members regarding the proposal to try the Super E cap arrangement - is it worthwhile when it only represents a small proportion of the capacitance employed for the job? Any thoughts or experiences?
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: dboy on 28 Nov 2010, 02:41 pm
Please excuse me asking further questions!

Has anybody used Paul's regs on a Buffalo with Volumite? Is the current supplied by Z1703v3HP sufficient to power Volumite as well as DVCC or is another solution required? Russ advises using the DVCC supply for Volumite to avoid problems with either Buff or Volumite starting/powering down before the other (which I guess might leave volume uncontrolled).

I will ask on the TP site to try to find out the current draw of Volumite but thought I would ask here in case anyone has done this.

Thanks,

Dave
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 28 Nov 2010, 03:03 pm
Hi Dave,

According to the datasheets of the Amtel micro-controller and the LDO regulator their joint operating current is less than a milliamp. This doesn’t take into account any load current drawn by the Buffalo but I would be surprised if this is significant. With this in mind I think you should be Ok powering from DVCC. If more current is required from the regulator, the regulator current setting resistor can be reduced if you are OK with removing and replacing a surface mount resistor. Get back to me if you require any help.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: dboy on 28 Nov 2010, 05:58 pm
Hi Paul.

I'll try powering from DVCC then. We are advised to omit the LDO so I guess this makes things even more efficient. I'm definitely not OK with replacing SMD resistors since this is precisely how I fried my first Charlize - the source of my desoldering neurosis!  :lol: But so far so good with this Buffalo...

If I were to go a little silly with this would it be OK to replace the 470uF 16v cap on PR3i output with 2 x 470uF BG NX 6.3v in Super E. I know there is no real call to go to such extremes, but I think richidoo said it best above, about expressing a desire for perfection.

All the best,

Dave



Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 28 Nov 2010, 07:03 pm
Hi Dave,

I have run the PR3 topology regulators with Black Gate capacitors without problems so feel free to go a little silly and experiment.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: dboy on 28 Nov 2010, 07:28 pm
Thanks very much Paul. I really do appreciate your reassurance on the above points.

Dave.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: kpavey on 18 May 2011, 02:19 am
Greetings

Dboy - not wanting to teach you how to suck eggs, but if you are having desoldering issues, I recommend using a quality desoldering braid, (eg Goot), this makes things way easier.

Paul - I would like to exchange my Vd reg you sent me for an all in one reg with rectifiers, plus buy a few extras of the same. I will be in the UK in about 3wks time, and would plan to send to you then to reduce postage. (May even visit the Islay Isles if you want to catch up for some single malt!!! I digress...). Please PM me to discuss further. Cheers, Kendrick
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: NicMac on 18 May 2011, 07:24 am
I'm almost done with my (latest) dual mono Buffalo II build.
All PSU rails are separate (different secondaries) and have three levels of regulation: CRLRC or CRC filter, LM317/37 based pre-regulators and final regulation using shunt or series regulators from Paul.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=46784)
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: poseidonsvoice on 18 May 2011, 01:38 pm
I'm almost done with my (latest) dual mono Buffalo II build.
All PSU rails are separate (different secondaries) and have three levels of regulation: CRLRC or CRC filter, LM317/37 based pre-regulators and final regulation using shunt or series regulators from Paul.

Top notch my friend! What output stage did you use, looks like dual mono Legato II's?

Anand.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: NicMac on 18 May 2011, 02:55 pm
In the picture the output stages are dual IVY III.
I also have the Legato's but I did not yet test them in the dual mono rig. The Legato run quite hot and I need to verify that my layout is able to dissipate the heat.
One very nice thing about the dual-mono configuration is that it can be used for A/B comparisons (in dual stereo mode) of different output stages or tweaks.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: richidoo on 5 Jul 2011, 03:05 am
Getting ready to order some regulators for my Buff2 kit. I heard a Buff32 with modified series power supplies and output stage mods and it blew away my stock Buffalo32 with LCDPS power supplies. The power supplies make a huge difference in dynamics, clarity and intensity. So now I gotta build up my Buff2 to get some of that goodness.

Some quick questions:
Multibit's post (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=77455.msg826644#msg826644) mentions the necessity to cross the adjust and output pins on Z17** regs. But closeups of his DAC show straight pins on the regulators. Maybe he got Z7803v3 regs or maybe the pins don't need to cross anymore? Paul, can you please confirm that the Z1703v3 regs included your Buffalo2 kit will drop into Buffalo2 AVcc? Thanks

There are 4 holes for the AVcc power supply bypass. VD, Gnd, AVcc and DVcc. I assume we ignore the DVcc hole?

Paul, just curious, why do you provide a high power version of your Z1703v3 reg. for the digital supplies? The ESS9018 spec sheet says DVcc are 3.3V@7mA (x2 for top and bottom), Vdd (core) 1.2V@37mA, and AVcc 3.3V@25mA. I'm sure your standard Z17**s can make 50mA easily, why aren't they plenty good enough? Thanks

Does anybody know what VDD_XO powers? It is not mentioned in the 9018 spec sheet, so maybe it is something on the board? TP site says the oscillator has it's own dedicated power supply, is that VDD_XO?

I have some Placid shunt power supplies. Are these adequate for the DVcc and VDD? I would think these are a more constant load than the AVcc which will obviously benefit from PH regulators. I suppose I could use the TP Placid for VD 5.5V supply also. Is the speed of a PH regulator needed for Vd pre reg sitting 2V above final voltage? Paul mentioned a reg kit for battery power, I think the Placid is faster and lower impedance than a battery. Just thinking out loud, trying to save some money if possible.  But the whole kit is very tempting, especially with the great feedback you guys are giving.
Thanks for any insights/opinions!!
Rich
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 5 Jul 2011, 12:59 pm

Hi Rich,

The error amplifiers I use in the 3v3 shunt regs are just over 2000 times faster with a bandwidth 50 times wider than the LMP7732 used in the Trident and the early Placid that uses this chip. This high speed is required for high quality performance when dealing with load current swings clocked at multi-MHz frequencies. This is one of the reasons you heard a very noticeable improvement with the high-speed regulators.

I now supply the Z7803v3 for the Buffalo II regulator upgrades, as this board is pin compatible without bending the regulator leads. The circuit is identical to the Z1703v3.

There are 4 holes for the AVcc power supply bypass. VD, Gnd, AVcc and DVcc. Ignore the DVcc hole.

I have seen some conflicting information regarding current draw for the Buffalo dacs and some have reported regulator dropout if the shunt current is set too low. Remember that the set current minus the regulator section operating current is the maximum current available from a shunt regulator. If you try to draw more the regulator will drop out of regulation. Digital circuit current draw increases from idle, when processing data, and as the clock frequency used in the Buffalo II is 80MHz, you would need some specialist equipment to measure the transient current requirements. So in the Buffalo II the current draw is not fixed and will depend on the level of processing being used in the Sabre chip. The standard Z17/Z78 will typically supply around 60 ma with the standard current source. This seems fine for AVCC but I like to ensure that there is more than enough current available for correct regulation under all operating conditions with the digital circuitry. The HP version of the Z1703v3 and the Z7803v3 can provide 120ma to allow headroom for DVCC and VDD_CC.

The VDD_XO supply is for the crystal oscillator module.

Check out the open loop frequency response of the LMP7732 error amplifier (used in the early Placid and the Trident regulators) in the National Semiconductor datasheet. It shows a falling response with frequency – approx, 88dB at 1KHz, 68 dB at 10 KHz, 48dB at 100KHz, 28dB at 1 MHz, 8dB at 10MHz, 0dB at 20MHz. This corresponds to a reduced regulation capability with rising frequency where the error amplifier actually stops working at 20MHz. This is also going to allow the supply line rejection to reduce at the same rate. Once the regulator stops working it’s line rejection capability will also cease. The Placid HD supply may do better than this but I would be surprised if it reached the 1GHz response limit of the Z regs error amplifier. You could use the Placid for the VD5v5 supply but even here people are reporting improvements using the Z1P or the PR3 regulator modules instead of Placid. The Z1P-5v5 error amplifier bandwidth is 1GHz like the mini shunt regs and the PR3 error amplifier bandwidth is 100MHz.

Battery operation is possible and the 5v5 VD pre-reg (a DC input version of the PR3 is available) and both the Z1P-05v5 and the PR3-05v5 can be powered from any voltage from 11 volts to 18 volts. This will give the benefit of no mains interference to the Buffalo II power feed although you will have to consider battery management requirements and maintain a good charge on the batteries for consistent performance especially if the load current draw is high. Battery life may also be an important consideration, depending on which battery type you use. Like anything there are pros and cons here and a well-specified, battery based, power supply can be more expensive to implement than a good mains supply.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: richidoo on 5 Jul 2011, 02:11 pm
Thank you for the immediate and thorough response. Perhaps the best technical answer I have ever received from an audio seller! Except for the other emails I've gotten from you. :D

I do have a spare Optima red top car battery and a smart charger that I used with my Altmann DAC and amp once a upon a time. I will PM you today about ordering the Buffalo 2 PS kit.

Thanks again Paul!
Rich
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 5 Jul 2011, 02:45 pm
Hi Rich,

Your welcome.

The Red Top will do fine. I am currently using spiral wound gel batteries for the master supply for my Altmann DAC and this works very well as a master supply with high quality regulation feeding the equipment circuitry. I am not so keen on direct connection of batteries to the Altmann, or indeed other pieces of equipment I have tried this with, as the bass end is too loose and bloated for my taste. With the regulators it is a completely different presentation that is well balanced throughout the audio frequency spectrum and with no annoying bass anomalies.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: richidoo on 5 Jul 2011, 03:08 pm
Good to know, thanks.  The impedance of battery is so high compared to a good regulator. This biggest impact I noticed in Buff32 with improved power supplies was the dynamic impact of the bass. But the treble was also clearer and more "intense."

I am not yet sure If I want to bother with battery, since my amps run an AC anyway. But if I were to use a DC input regulator, which is preferred, Z1P or PR3 (dc).  Z1P has higher bandwidth, seems like the way to go? Thanks
Rich
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 5 Jul 2011, 04:05 pm
Hi Rich,

The Z1P sould be better regarding bandwidth, but this is not the whole story. According to all reports the PR3 is giving a more musical presentation as the pre-regulator. I am also finding this with equipment when I have used it as a master power supply.

The prefered choice, which has been generally confirmed by my experiments, is the high-speed shunt regs for digital circuitry and the PR3 for master power supply duties, low noise analogue circuitry and high power supplies. The PR3 may not have the bandwidth of the Z1P but it is a fast regulator and it is very quiet too, measuring on a HP3561A Spectrum analyser around 35 nanovolts root Hz at the output with the shunt reg measuring around 220 nanovolts root Hz. For comparison purposes the ALW low noise series reg measured 70 nanovolts root Hz. The loading requirements for the pre-reg are relatively benign as the on board Buffalo shunt regulators present a constant current load. The supply line rejection of the PR3 is less than the Z1P but still very good. The PR3 has an output voltage adjustment pot for convenience.

I think, on balance I would have to recommend the PR3 for the pre reg.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: richidoo on 5 Jul 2011, 05:32 pm
FYI, The crystal oscillator spec sheet:
http://www.crystekcrystals.com/crystal/spec-sheets/clock/CCHD-950.pdf
3.3VDC (+/-0.3V) @ 15mA nominal, 25mA max
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 9 Jul 2011, 10:40 am
Rich,

Sorry about my tardy reply. I have been exceptionally busy this week. Point taken about the crystal oscillator supply, you could use either the standard or the HP to power this. Several customers have asked for more current for the oscillator supply but did not give a reason. Maybe they were experimenting with alternative clock oscillators.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Builder Brad on 2 Aug 2011, 12:59 pm
Hi Paul,

I am looking at placing an order for the new Buffalo MK3 when the next pre-order opportunity goes live - 3 days time I think.

I was originally looking at ordering the DAC with the Legato I/V, 3 x Placid BP power supplies for the i/V, Trident regulators and 1 x Placid PS for the main DAC, however I really want to use the best Power supply regulation that I can right at the beginning of the project.

I will be running the DAC from DC battery power, having 4x20VA 12v SLA batteries that were previously used to run a TDA1541 DAC. I can configure the batteries in various series and parallel combination as I have independent chargers and load balancing options.

can you provide me with a complete package price, for the supply of what you consider to be the best of your regulators and PS modules for the Buffalo DAC, with DC input power?

cheers

Brad
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 2 Aug 2011, 02:56 pm
Hi Brad,

I will quote the normal prices I charge for regulators initially but you can deduct 25% off these prices to arrive at the kit price

Firstly the Buffalo III regs

4 off Z7803v3 @ £30 each            £120

1 off S1701v2 @ £36                   £036

1 off PR3DC-05v4 @ £80              £080

Then the Legato 1/V regs

3 off PR3DC-15 @ £80                  £240

3 off NR3Dc-15 @ £80                  £240

Total retail for all the regulators     £716

Less 25% discount                       £179

Kit price                                     £537

Insured carriage and packing will be £25 to the USA

I would suggest that you use one 12 v battery by itself for the Buff III and two stacked 12v batteries per rail giving +/- 24v for the Legato I/V.

Regards
Paul
 :scratch:
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Builder Brad on 2 Aug 2011, 05:18 pm
cheers Paul,

I am in the UK, so could collect.

on the Legato PS do you mean -24 0 +24 DC?

Brad
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 2 Aug 2011, 05:43 pm
Hi Brad,

You are welcome to collect but do you know how far out I live from the mainland? The trip to South Uist is a very long and expensive trip. Fortunately the easiest way is to just post the modules via insured Special Delivery and this costs £10.

I mean –24 0 +24 to feed the I/V regs.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Builder Brad on 2 Aug 2011, 05:52 pm
cheers Paul,

sorry more questions...

are the regs for the Legato individual + and - versions of the NR3DCs? do you have dimensions of the individual regs please?

Is the Legato good enough to justify 3 x + and - regulation?

Brad
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 2 Aug 2011, 06:12 pm
Hi Brad,

I do not have a Legato. Some constructors who have separated the regulation to Legato have told me that the effort is worthwhile. Is there anyone out there who has done this prepared to post their results as feedback for others?


The regs for the Legato are individual modules. The PR3 is the positive voltage version and the NR3 is the negative voltage version.

The modules measure 48mm x 48mm with a maximum height above board of 25mm.

Here is a photo of the PR3DC module :-

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/paulhynes/PR3iDC004.jpg

Regards
Paul


Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Builder Brad on 2 Aug 2011, 06:38 pm
cheers Paul,

I will probably need to stack those regulators as they are going to easily take up more space than the DAC alone.

is it possible to set the regs up to give +/-18, or even 20v? It seems like a big drop to go from the 24v on each battery bank to 15v. I guess that even with the higher output voltages I will then pay the price in extra dissipation heat from the Legato.

Brad
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: NicMac on 2 Aug 2011, 06:44 pm
Brad,
don't exceed 15V for the Legato. It runs pretty borderline hot at this rail voltage.
The heat generated by the Legato is produced by resistors that are difficult to sink.
Cheers,
Nic
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Builder Brad on 3 Aug 2011, 10:16 am
Cheers Nic,

I thought as much.

Paul,

The Buffalo DAC will be sharing a case with my pre-amp/buffer.

I already have an 18-0-18v 50VA transformer in the pre-amp case powering a Salas DCB1 Buffer - I may use this to power the 6 regulators for the i/v stage - do I need a different type of reg for AC input?

will probably only use the batteries for the 12v DC supply to the main DAC regulators.

are the i/v regulators the only ones that need to be fitted on stand-offs, with the remainder being plug in modules on the main PCB?

Brad
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: rklein on 3 Aug 2011, 02:11 pm
If one was to choose just one of your kits, which kit would have more of a positive impact?  The kit for the Buffalo III or the kit for the Legato 3.1 I/V stage?

Thanks,

Randy
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 3 Aug 2011, 02:47 pm
Brad,

For transformer input you would need the PR3AC input version which uses Schottky Barrier rectification and Panasonic low ESR energy storage. This will add £15 to each PR3 after the 25% discount is applied.

The PR3 regulators for the I/V stage do not need standoffs. The copper mounting bracket on the PR3 is used for mounting the module. This is isolated from the regulator circuitry so all you have to do is bolt it to the chassis.

Randy,

I would go for the Buffalo regs in preference as the Sabre Dac chip is rather sensitive to power supply quality.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: rklein on 3 Aug 2011, 02:49 pm
Thanks Paul. :D
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Builder Brad on 6 Aug 2011, 10:23 am
Cheers Paul,

I think that I will try using single + and - regs on the Legato i/v initially. The couple of `00 £ saved will go towards upgrading some of the critical resistors on the Legato board with Texas Components TX2575s. I also will then have an upgrade path with your regs that will almost be plug in - so long as I leave space in the case.

I need:

4 off Z7803v3 @ £30 each            £120

1 off S1701v2 @ £36                   £036

1 off PR3DC-05v4 @ £80              £080

Then the Legato 1/V regs

1 off PR3AC-15 @ £95                  £95

1 off NR3AC-15 @ £95                  £95

Total retail for all the regulators     £426

Less 25% discount                       £106

Kit price      TOTAL                      £320

PLUS CARRIAGE                           £10

I am going to use my 12v SLA battery to supply the main board and an 18-0-18 AC supply for the Legato regs.

how do I pay?

Cheers

Brad
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Builder Brad on 13 Aug 2011, 10:50 am
Ok.

I have now ordered those regulators from Paul Hynes.

What other parts are worth upgrading on the main DAC board, or the Legato. Might as well get them ordered up while I am waiting for the Buffalo and Pauls regs.

I am already looking at Texas Component bulk foil TX2575s at 1k and 4.75k values on the Legato and the 22.1 ohm output resistor. 

Brad
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: serengetiplains on 14 Aug 2011, 02:14 pm
The TX2575s are imo worth the price, Brad.  Really good stuff.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: rklein on 22 Aug 2011, 01:00 pm
I have finally placed my order with Paul for his regs for the Buff III board.  I also opted for Paul's SR3-12 power supply with DC lead.  I decided to opt for three TP BiPolar Placids for the Legato I/V to keep the cost of the DAC down.  Really looking forward to this build.

Paul was absolutely first rate in answering all my questions. :thumb:

Regards,

Randy
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: GordonJ on 21 Sep 2011, 10:00 am
Hi - Finally got around to picking up my regs from the post office depot this morning - it's been a very busy week. All looks good, thanks Paul!

Except - one question as I really don't want to mess up...

Pin out order on the S1701v2? On the 3V3 regs it's really clearly marked with I G O, but on my S1701 it's less clear - maybe my tired eyes - the only markings I can see on a quick scan look like I O O. Can anyone make this really clear and idiot-proof for me? (i.e. which side am I looking from, which way up is it and what is the sequence for the pins?)

Thanks

Gordon
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 21 Sep 2011, 11:41 am
Hi Gordon,

The pin out on the S17 reads, on the track-side, from left to right, I for input, O for output and AG for ground. The A in AG refers to the adjustment terminal on 317 type regulators as the S17 regulator is used to replace LM317 pin out type regulators. The voltage setting components connected to the adjustment terminal with 317 type regulators are not used with the S17 and AG is just connected to ground. Others have commented on this so I will be dropping the A in AG on the next board run to avoid further confusion.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: GordonJ on 21 Sep 2011, 12:15 pm
Thanks Paul! I'll have closer look at the board tonight but that is very clear and should enable even me to get it right!

All the best, Gordon
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: GordonJ on 3 Oct 2011, 06:02 pm
Hi Paul - Many thanks for your excellent products and for the support and advice. Finally got around to putting everything together today - worked first time and sounds fantastic. Built with full set of PH regs installed from the start so I can't compare with stock BII etc. but this is definitely the best DAC I've had in my sytem. Now to find a suitable case... Thanks again, All the best, Gordon
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: alch3my on 12 Oct 2011, 01:26 pm
Finally received my regulators. Here's a customary shot
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6237687104_0ee56e092e_b.jpg)
  :thumb:

BTW Paul, one of the 3v3 regulators is labelled "3v3 H? VDD". But the correct VDD regulator is the one that's labelled 1v2 with "S17LNS2" on the track side?

How is the PR3 supposed to be wired up?
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 13 Oct 2011, 03:24 pm
Sorry, I have marked the 3v3 HP module wrongly. It should read DVCC. The S17 is for VDD.

The PR3 regulator module is wired as follows :-

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/paulhynes/PR3PPRAP.jpg

The input voltage should be 6 to 9 vac and the dc output voltage can be set to suit via the trim pot. Ignore the postreg shown on the drawing and feed the PR3 0v and +ve out to 0v and VD on the Buffalo board.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: alch3my on 15 Oct 2011, 10:33 am
Thank you, Paul.

Hmm just to confirm,

"2 off Z1703v3 shunt regulator for replacing LT1763-3v3 on DVCC" refers to "2 3.3V ... for the on board Oscillator (VDD_XO) and main digital sections of the ES9018 (DVCC)."

I have a question, there are 4 Z17 3.3V regulators. But if you look at the picture below.. one of them (the wrongly labelled module) has a different circuit from the other 3. I'm sure it isn't the same as the rest, right?
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6246130390_6536e8f92e_b.jpg




 
i understand that DVCC is 3v3
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 15 Oct 2011, 02:02 pm
alch3my

To be clear, these are the new shunt reg modules that I had to revise recently, because of the world-wide component shortage for the current source chip I used to use with these regulators. The current source section is now split into three smaller current sources. This allows easy selection of output current for different applications. Using two current sources provides around 70ma and three current sources provides around 120ma. I also revised the pin out hole pattern, so the same module can be configured for replacing 317 type regs and 78 type regs, just by selecting where to fit the lead out wires. This saves stocking two separate PCB designs.

The wrongly labelled module has three current sources fitted and this is for replacing the LT1763-3v3 for DVCC. The other three 3v3 shunt regs are for VDD_XO and the two AVCC supplies.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: alch3my on 19 Oct 2011, 02:05 pm
You're a great help as always, Paul!

Does the transformer VA rating matter? 50VA / 80VA?
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 25 Oct 2011, 10:53 am
alch3my,

Sorry for the tardy reply. I missed your post about the transformers. I tend to go for oversized transformers so they are not operating at their full ratings. With this in mind I would personally use either 80 VA or even 160 VA.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: alch3my on 25 Oct 2011, 02:57 pm
Thank you, Paul. I felt that posting my questions here rather than privately over email would be better so more people can learn from it, hope that's fine with you.

I read up on transformers and it seems like quite a few people believe that ei/r cores are better than toroids for PSU usage. What are your thoughts on this? You're definitely the most qualified person to ask!

Are split bobbin ei cores supposed to be better at rejecting noise from the mains? I came across these which seem to be looked upon favourably by john curl, and am thinking of trying them out. But the minimum output rating they have is a 10V and the PR3 takes a max of 9V.. i don't supposed this can be used then?
http://www.signaltransformer.com/content/split-bobbin-with-isolation

Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 26 Oct 2011, 03:00 pm
Alch3my,

I would prefer it if people posted their applications questions here as it forms a reference for others so this is fine with me. Just bare in mind that you may have to wait a little for a reply as I am very busy nowadays.

There are pros and cons for each of the transformer construction methods and the results will also depend on the quality of construction materials and the attention to detail during construction.

Split bobbin transformers have poorer flux linkage than toroidal transformers, which generates larger stray magnetic fields around the transformers. They also have larger iron losses, which generates more heat for a given VA rating. They do show better isolation from the mains than standard toroidals, however an inter-winding screen can be fitted to a toroidal transformer that will give good isolation from mains noise.

I have tried many transformers over the years and I prefer the toroidal type, but not the off the shelf types from the main electronics distributors. These are built to a very low price to remain competitive in a general electronics market and are often noisy mechanically, especially in the larger sizes. They are usually built with high flux density to allow the use of a smaller core size for a given VA rating and they suffer core saturation problems, particularly at switch-on, because of their high flux density construction. This reduces the transient headroom dramatically. Core saturation effects can be quite severe with these high flux density transformers and this can strangle the dynamic presentation of the sound system and collapse the sound stage, not to mention causing large amounts if inter-modulation on the mains supply. This is likely to be the main reason people reject toroidal transformers for audio. It’s a shame really because when they are designed properly they do give very fine performance.

Price plays a big part in performance and you will not get high-end performance from a beer budget transformer. For my higher performance audio grade power supplies I have low flux density transformers, wound on oversize cores, to my specification by Canterbury Windings in the UK. This is not the whole story of the specification as non-disclosure agreements are in place regarding some of the parameters, preventing me from public discussion. However I can say that the resulting transformer is quiet, both mechanically and electrically, and it does not suffer from the core saturation problems that typical “off the shelf” low cost transformers do. These transformers give much better sound quality than any of the “off the shelf” transformers I have tried.

I hope this helps.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: alch3my on 28 Oct 2011, 12:41 am
Thank you, Paul.

Will there be any problems if i use a 10V AC center tap transformer for the PR3? I know they only take 6-9VAC, so will that extra 1V do any harm? Hmm since it is impossible for me to get the same custom toroids that you get, are there any off-the-shelf and readily available brands that aren't *so* bad?
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 31 Oct 2011, 05:07 pm
Alch3my,

10 vac is fine as long as you ensure the PR3 copper mounting bracket is mounted on a metal chassis or heatsink rated at 4 degrees C per watt or better.

Noratel transformers are inexpensive and may be available in your area. They are the best “off the shelf” ones I have found so far but certainly not in the same league as the Canterbury Windings transformers.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Builder Brad on 2 Nov 2011, 06:19 pm
Hi Paul,

I just received my regulators  -  they look fantastic and I am now working them into my case and adding them to my Buffalo DAC.

I have a question about the + and - 15v regulators for the Leggato i/v board:

I have an 18-0-18v transformer and have tied the center tap, so that I have 3 wires that supply 18-0-18v. I am strugling with using this scheme to wire up the 2 x regulators as they do not seem to like the shared 0v wire on the AV supply - this does not present a problem when I just connect the AC power, however when I connect the DC 0v outputs together my transformer starts to get very hot and I am measuring 40+V DC between the + and - DC outputs and over 20v = and - relative to 0v.

Do i need to power the AC inputs independently and then tie the DC 0v together?, or am i doing something else wrong?

on the actual regulators the outputs appear to be marked round the wrong way - 0v is marked on the inside pin of the twin terminal when my DMM indicates that 0v is on the outside pin - is this correct?

Brad



Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 3 Nov 2011, 10:40 am
Hi Brad,

Each of the PR3-15 regulators requires it’s own independent AC supply. Either via separate windings on one transformer, or separate transformers. The 0v connection from the DC out terminals is then wired to signal 0v at the load. Everything should read correctly once this is done unless components on the modules and/or the transformer have been damaged thermally by the way you wired the modules.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: hallcon83 on 26 Mar 2012, 11:13 pm
Hi Paul - I'm a diy newbie , I have one of the older Buffalo 32S dacs that I am starting to build ..... I dion't know if you are familiar with it.... It is mostly all built into the one board, not alot of modules or options . Have you built power supplys for it before ???  - I bought 1ea - ICPDS, and 2ea - ICBPS for it ...  (w- thier three power transformers )  - I bought all this  before they offered thier shunt supplys .... AND sadly before I knew you were offering power supplies for Buffalo Dacs .  ---- What would I need to get from you to maximize it's perfomance ? ........ Also I'm wondering, would this dac , and dacs in general benifit from an Isolation transformer before the power supply transformer ???  - Thank you, Kind Regards, dean
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 27 Mar 2012, 03:08 pm
Sorry Dean, I have no experience with the 32S, however it is up-gradable and the following link has some photos and a list of regulators used.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=80012.0

If you have any questions once you have seen the photos I will try to help but this may be difficult without a 32S board to analyse.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Rosewind on 8 May 2012, 08:35 am
Hi Paul.

(1) How long are your lead times these days?

(2) What would I need from you in order to make a 240 volt-based stereo version of the Buffalo DAC with the Legato 3.1 output stage? I will want to replace the psus and regulators with your kits.

(3) As I understand it, the Legato 3.1 can be run with 1-3 psus. Is that correct and will 3 psus be overkill?

I ave also sent you an email, but you may just as well answer here.

Best wishes,
Peter
Denmark
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 8 May 2012, 06:21 pm
Hi Peter,

The lead times for Buffalo regs is approx 30 to 40 working days now. Sorry the queue is getting longer.

The regulator kit for Buff III is :-

3 off Z7803v3
1 off Z7803v3HP
1 off S1701v2LN
1 off PR3-05v4
Total cost £192 after the 25% discount

The basic regulator kit for Legato is :-

1 off PR3-15
1 off NR3-15
Total cost £150 after the 25% discount
multiply these as required if separating the Legato power supplies.

Insured carriage and packing to Europe is now £18 and if using paypal add 3.4% for Paypal fee.

I do not have a Legato but from experience separating power supplies to each signal processing stage results in improvements in sound quality. This is backed up by comments on the forums.

If I can be of further help let me know.

Regards
Paul


Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Bill Lamb on 9 May 2012, 12:11 pm
Hi Paul,

I apologize for interrupting this thread, but I have sent 3 emails to you over the last two weeks and have received no reply.  At this point, I'm not sure what the trouble is: spam filters, email servers dropping emails, you're too busy to reply, you've taken ill? 

I'm especially concerned at the moment because I have a prepaid order for an Altmann DAC modification and I cannot send a valuable piece of kit to the other side of the world without a clear line of communication about what's going on.

It would be enormously helpful if you could help me diagnose the problem by telling me if you received the emails, and if so, whether or not you replied to them.  If the problem is with filters or email servers, I have other email addresses I can use.

Thanks
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 9 May 2012, 02:08 pm
Hi Bill,

Sorry for the tardy reply. I am getting hundreds of e-mails every week at present and I just do not have enough time to answer them in real time. My office lass filters the mail to make it easier for me to deal with, but she cannot answer most of the enquiries as they often require technical knowledge. I just get through what I can during breaks in the work schedule.

I have just searched your e-mails and can confirm that your order is in the build schedule and I should be ready for the Altmann by 28th May.

The transformer you are after is from CPC and the link to order it is :-

http://cpc.farnell.com/multicomp/mcta060-12/60va-toroidal-2x12v/dp/FF01552?Ntt=ta060/12

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Bogotronix on 17 Nov 2013, 02:33 pm
Hello! I have a complete Buffalo III + Legato regulator kit. I am not 100% positive on how to connect it all together, though, and would really appreciate it if you could answer my four questions below.

My Canterbury Windings transformer has 4x 0-18v secondaries that I plan to use as follows:
red-yellow  => NR3-15
black-white => NR3-15
green-violet => PR3-15
orange-pink => PR3-15

For the PR3-15, it is straightforward - two secondaries go naturally in the 4-pole terminal block.

Question 1) For the NR3-15, the "CT"/center tap connection in the provided info sheet is a bit vague, and I don't want to destroy anything. Is the following correct?

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=90069)


Question 2) Also the small regulators are not so clearly marked. Is the following correct?
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=90070)

Question 3) The small trim potmeter on the 1,2V S1701v2LN is for adjusting the output voltage, is that correct?

Question 4) The small trim potmeter on each of PR3-05v4, PR3-15 and NR3-15 are also for adjusting output voltage?
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 18 Nov 2013, 04:01 pm
Hello Bogotronix,

1)   your drawing is correct
2)   you have identified the modules correctly
3)   and 4) the trimmer potentiometers do adjust the output voltage over a limited range to allow accurate voltage setting. Be careful not to do this adjustment on the 1v2 reg while in situ on the Buffalo Board as it would be possible to over-voltage the dac core if you turn the pot screw too quickly.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Bogotronix on 18 Nov 2013, 04:14 pm
Thanks for the quick reply! Having used the Buffalo II as my main DAC for quite some time, with the latest TP Placid and Trident regs and including some mods to reduce ripple for the Placids, I am slightly impatient to try your products and gauge the improvement, if any. Up until now, improvements on the PSU side have shown themselves to be absolutely essential.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 18 Nov 2013, 04:30 pm
The ES9018 is quite sensitive to the power supply quality. It will be interesting to know about your experience when you have the new regulation fitted but please do allow a few weeks of burn-in time before making an assessment.

While I am on this thread, the cost of the regulators used in the Buffalo Reg Kit has slowly crept up and my general operating overheads have also increased since I first gave the kit discount. It is with regret that I will be removing the 25% Reg Kit discount at the end of December as this is no longer economical for me to supply the kit at this price. The regulators will revert to the normal price from 1st January.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Bogotronix on 31 Dec 2013, 11:43 am
The Hynes-regulated Buffalo III has been playing for several weeks now, and sounds amazing. The improvements over the old Buffalo II with the newest Placids (modified to lower ripple), newest Tridents BUT also the small stock transfomers are evident in many areas:

+ Complete transformation of the lower registers, in the direction of muscle and authority, but retaining fullness
+ Deeper and wider sound stage, positively cavernous in comparison and very stable. A "scene".
+ Cleaner sound with more resolution and separation, although not in a sterile way. All kinds of details and subtleties are there for the taking, but not to the detriment of a coherent whole, as is very often the case.

An interesting thing is that although I tune the system for listenability and to try to present any music and recording in welcoming fashion - which is rather the opposite of what a studio monitor is supposed to do - there is very much information available, although not in the form of aural pain. I had my friends with whom I've been playing and recording for many years over the other night, and with the resolution available now, we could hear lots of things that were not apparent on monitors - e.g. tracks deep in complex mixes that were clipping. At the same time, our many tracks never sounded better.

One thing that I initially found unsatisfactory, given my preferences, was that the sound seemed a bit hard and sharp in comparison with the old DAC, which I had modified and worked with over a long period of time, amongst other things replacing several bypass caps with Silmic II to attain more fullness and a less strident top end.

Since I did not want to mess around with the Hynes regulators, I made the experiment of changing the four (R1-R4) I/V resistors in the Legato output stage to 1W Takman Carbon Film. This turned out to be a lucky shot - not only did it solve the "hardness" in the upper mid range, it also improved the resolution and fullness of the sound. YMMV, but this was an amazing tweak. :)

Having listened to the result for some weeks now with all kinds of music (really), and of course realizing that my evaluation above is completely subjective and relevant in my system only, I can say that my system never sounded so good before, and is gaining on the ideal I set for it many years ago.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: jbercovici on 2 Jan 2014, 06:21 pm
Dear Paul,
I ordered 213£ full set of regulators for Buffalo IIISE on february 2013 !!!
And no news since, it should arrived in april.
I don't need them anymore and send you some emails with no response.
Please send me my money back.
I hope this just a mistake and not a scam

You can write me on my email adress in my profile
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: Paul Hynes on 6 Jan 2014, 01:16 pm
Sent in reply to mail fromJulien on 3rd Jan whilst on vacation.

Hello Julien,

I am sorry there have been so many delays with orders over this last year due to circumstances beyond my control, and appreciate that it is very disappointing for customers. I have posted details about the various delays on my Audiocircle trade circle to keep people informed. I guess that only a percentage of people read my posts.

I finished the regulators you ordered as part of a batch of Buffalo regulator orders just before Christmas but was unable to ship the orders out due to power cuts and loss of communications during the heavy electrical storms just before the Christmas/New Year holiday began. Unusually there have been repetitive storm fronts hitting the island throughout December with wind speeds exceeding 100 mph causing widespread structural damage and repetitive power cuts as well as damage to the telephone network.

I am still on my Christmas/New Year holiday at present but will be back in the office on Monday. I will offer your regulator order to Audiocircle members and issue a refund as soon as the regulators are sold on to another customer. They should sell quickly as I have removed the 25% discount for Buffalo Dac regulator kits.

Regards
Paul

Julien

Obviously you do read the forum posts but perhaps not all of them. I don’t do scams although mistakes can happen. In the case of this last year I have l just lost so much time due to unforeseen circumstances that I am well behind with orders and the batch system I was using was not working as well as I had hoped as it left some orders behind along the way. This has all been compounded by the loss of my office girl’s services last July and I have also had to do all the administration work she used to do alongside my production work. Doing two jobs just takes twice as long. I have a large pile of e-mail to catch up with at present, so sorry about lack of reply to your enquiries.

Anyway I understand that you have no further need for your order and will, as stated in my e-mail to you above, offer your order to forum members so you can have a refund. So any one wanting a Buffalo regulator kit built and ready to go for the old discount price of £192 (with PR3-5v5)? Insured carriage and packing for the kit in the UK is £10, in Europe is £14 and the rest of the world is £17. Also any funds transfer fees will need to be added. Paypal is currently 4.1% on my trade account or bank transfer handling fees are £6. You can PM me for account details for payment.

Regards
Paul
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: flowerpot on 7 Jan 2014, 02:00 pm
Hi Paul,

Seems like your email(paul@paulhynesdesign.com) does not work or its full. I got a delivery failure notice.

I place an order for 3 Terminal Regulator Replacements some time back last year. Was told it will be ready on Oct 13. Anyway i understand there is delay. But would appreciate an update as my diy project is currently on hold for some time. At least knowing when the stuff will arrive i can plan my project using other means to proceed rather than waiting blindly. My contact is z_lenk@yahoo.com.sg. Thanks

Alfred.
Title: Re: High performance regulators for the Buffalo DAC and IVY
Post by: andrzej1968 on 23 Mar 2014, 05:02 pm
Helo Paul.
Do you have stiil this Bufflo reg kit ready to sell from the cancelled order of one of the forum members in old price with discount?
I so I would be interested.
regards
Andrzej