Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project

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randytsuch

Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« on: 13 Sep 2011, 08:57 pm »
A while ago, I bought a TPA Buffalo 1.0 board, with the ES9008 DAC, and then left it sitting in a box  :(

I took a break from audio, and DIY for a while, my music server PC broke and there were other setbacks that I didn't want to deal with.

Recently, I built a HTPC that doubles as a music server, and this weekend I took my heavily modded squeezebox, removed the SB2 board, and installed a duet receiver board.  I am guessing the lack of display or layout changes do something, because this setup sounds better then I remember the SB2 sounding.

Now, I want to run logic level SPDIF from the Receiver to my Buf 1.0 board.

I also was wondering if anyone has built a DAC around the TPA Buf boards, and if they have made any mods to it?

There is a huge thread at Diyaudio on the subject, but its going to take a while to read that.

Any input is appreciated.

Randy

HAL

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Re: Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« Reply #1 on: 13 Sep 2011, 09:16 pm »
According to the schematic you should be able to run the Duet coaxial 75 ohm output to the Digital.5 connection on the TPA Buffalo 1 board.  It has a 75 ohm load.  Make sure the S/PDIFswitch is in the ON setting to use that input on the TPA board.

I repaired one recently that had an IVY and power supply issues.  Sounded pretty good here with the new IVYIII board installed.

randytsuch

Re: Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« Reply #2 on: 13 Sep 2011, 11:53 pm »
According to the schematic you should be able to run the Duet coaxial 75 ohm output to the Digital.5 connection on the TPA Buffalo 1 board.  It has a 75 ohm load.  Make sure the S/PDIFswitch is in the ON setting to use that input on the TPA board.

I repaired one recently that had an IVY and power supply issues.  Sounded pretty good here with the new IVYIII board installed.

In the Duet, there is a 04 inverter that I think drives the SPDIF output through a 75 ohm resistor and maybe a ferrite bead.
I was planning to pickup the signal at the inverter, and then connect it to the D1 terminal on the Buffalo.

I wasn't clear on this, but the Reciever has been transplanted to a much larger case, and it will sit right next to the Buf, after I install the Buf in this case.

Randy

HAL

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Re: Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« Reply #3 on: 14 Sep 2011, 12:04 am »
If you can select the digital input you want to use, then that should work.

If you cannot, turn off the SPDIF switch and use Digital.2 input instead.  That just disables the 75 ohm interface to the ESS input.

Make sure that the ESS is TTL level compatible on the inputs.  Most DAC's now use 3.3V instead of 5V logic levels.  If not use the 75 ohm interface.

Another good source of info is:

http://www.twistedpearaudio.com

In the support forum.

rollo

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Re: Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« Reply #4 on: 14 Sep 2011, 12:38 am »
  I believe Richadoo is working on one as we speak.


charles
SMA

richidoo

Re: Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« Reply #5 on: 14 Sep 2011, 12:50 am »
Nope, mine is buf2.

randytsuch

Re: Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« Reply #6 on: 14 Sep 2011, 01:05 am »
Not likely anyone is building the 1.0 anymore, they haven't been sold in a while ;)

Hal
Based on the 1.0 manual, I should be able to select SPDIF, and connect as I described.

But, I am also planning to add a little Arduino to this, and use the Arduino for controlling the I2C bus, so I will eventually be able to set the Buff inputs. 
I really want the Arduino so I can use the I2C to control volume.

Randy

richidoo

Re: Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« Reply #7 on: 14 Sep 2011, 01:11 am »
But, I am also planning to add a little Arduino to this, and use the Arduino for controlling the I2C bus,

I'm interested in learning how to do that too. Please post your experience with the controller as you go. Thanks!!
Rich

HAL

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Re: Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« Reply #8 on: 14 Sep 2011, 01:35 am »
I have about 7 Arduino, Freeedunio and Seeedunio boards running for my DIY Wolfson DAC projects. 

The HiFiDuino code works well.  I did find some typo's in the Opus DAC code along the way.  Hopefully the Buffalo code is ok.


richidoo


randytsuch

Re: Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« Reply #10 on: 14 Sep 2011, 04:58 pm »
That's great! Thanks HAL!

http://hifiduino.blogspot.com/2010/02/programming-buffalo-dac-review-of.html

I found that code a few days ago, and planned to use it as the basis for my code.  Looks like he already did all of the hard work, so it should be simple to make it work for my project.


BTW, anybody want to buy a ES9018?  Min order is two from the US distributor, and I only need one.  PM me if interested, otherwise I need to start placing ads here and elsewhere to find someone.

Randy

richidoo

Re: Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« Reply #11 on: 14 Sep 2011, 06:04 pm »
What's the price @2? Are you going to retrofit the 9018 to the Buffalo 1 or do your own board? Are the 9018 and 9008 the same pinouts? Thanks

randytsuch

Re: Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« Reply #12 on: 14 Sep 2011, 06:41 pm »
What's the price @2? Are you going to retrofit the 9018 to the Buffalo 1 or do your own board? Are the 9018 and 9008 the same pinouts? Thanks

I just check the datasheets, and the 9018 and 9008 are pin compatible, there is a post at AC from Mike G, and he has swapped out a 9008 for a 9018 on his Buf board.

I am going to usg my existing Buff 1 board, I don't feel like trying to create a layout for it.  I will pm you the price info.

Randy

richidoo

Re: Twisted Pear Audio Buffalo 1.0 project
« Reply #13 on: 14 Sep 2011, 07:18 pm »
Thanks Randy