The first generation Buffalo DAC was the first DAC available based on the ESS Technology Sabre-series DACs, then the ES9008.
The second generation Buffalo32S was the first DAC available based on the
ESS ES9018 Sabre32 DAC chip.
In in it's third generation, the Buffalo-II DAC embodies the culmination of our nearly three years of experience working
with Sabre DACs, and it our best effort to provide the pinnacle of performance, as well as a high degree of customization.
The Buffalo-II DAC module accepts direct S/PDIF, I2S and DSD data input formats. Analog outputs are balanced and can be used
in either current-output (feeding an I/V Conversion stage) or as voltage output (feeding a high input impedance line stage).
The Buffalo module requires a single 5.0-5.5VDC supply in its default configuration. This will in turn feed the three on-board
low-noise digital voltage regulators, as well as the dual series shunt-regulator for the DAC's analog supply, and provide a level
of performance unmatched by other DACs.
But this is a module for Do-It-Yourself'ers, so, to allow for the maximum possible customization, each of the on board regulators can be replaced by an off-board supply by simply removing a single
SMD ferrite bead from the underside of the board under each supply. Additionally, the AVCC regulator can be fed from an external
pre-regulator or be replaced entirely.
We offer both linear (Low Current Dual Power Supply) and shunt-regulated (Placid) supplies which will power the Buffalo-II.
(For the best performance, we recommend the
Placid set for 5.0V output, powered by a 9V+9V transformer (available
here).