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Hello everyone, I have a built DAC with Amanero and 2 Buffalo III SE (ESS 9018) modules. Buffalos work in mono mode. Question - Would it be better to replace Amanero with Amanero/Cronus/Hermes combo? Is Cronus more precise than Amanero alone? Also, does it make sense to upgrade to ESS 9028 or maybe 9038 Buffalo modules (again in mono mode)? Would it bring better sound? If so, what changes to expect with Amanero/Cronus/Hermes? And what with 9028 or 9038 modules? That being said, I am very happy with the sound now. But if it could be better... Thank you in advance! Edited by user Tuesday, February 19, 2019 8:38:30 PM(UTC)
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The ES9028 introduced filtering that significantly improves midrange clarity (easily audible improvement in a good rig). It's backwards compatible with Ivy/Legato (but you need 2 of them to come close/equal the 9038)
The ES9038 added gain stage. It sounds at least as good as dual mono 9028s IMHO. In fact, there is no dual mono option available on the new boards (you have to create custom firmware to do it). The output current is significantly higher - so you must use the Mercury
You'll also need to upgrade the Tridents because of increased power consumption (at least for the 1,2V reg). The new Series Tridents offer an audible improvement (even on your existing 9018). I also highly recommend powering the AVCC and XO with separate clean power supplies rather than both the digital and analog regs running off of the same 5V supply. This makes a substantial difference. You can do the mod to your current rig as well.
The Cronus Hermes does make an improvement too
So if you have the money you will enjoy a substantial improvement
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Thanks a lot for your answer!
I think, for the beginning, I will change Legato with Mercury, and Amanero with Amanero/Cronus/Hermes combo.
Which clock frequencies to choose?
Will they both (clock frequencies) reproduce CD, SACD and HD files up to 192 kHz?
Later probably add 9038PRO and Centaurs.
Is it possible to configure 9038PRO boards for dual mono operation?
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Originally Posted by: Possum  I also highly recommend powering the AVCC and XO with separate clean power supplies rather than both the digital and analog regs running off of the same 5V supply. This makes a substantial difference.
Interesting idea. Perhaps something for my new build:) How did you hook this up?
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Easiest way to hook up separate clean analog and clock supplies is simply to delete the TP AVCC dual reg and the XO trident and attach clean 3.3v power directly to their headers (either delete the dupont headers and solder directly, or make up a 2 pin dupont header plug
another way if you already have the TP regs is to cut off the 5V In pin and solder or otherwise connect a clean 5V supply to the 5V IN and GND lugs on the regs. This gives you 2 layers of regulation for possibly even cleaner power
I recommend regs that use the LT3045 for best results. Use separate regs for Analog and Clock of course.
THIS IS A MUST DO! THE IMPROVEMENT IN SOUND QUALITY IS DRAMATIC.
(The Sabre DAC manufacturer notes recommend this as the digital circuitry is very noisy - put a scope onto the 5V input when the DAC is on and you will see just how noisy it is - the onboard regulators cannot eliminate that kind of HF noise)
My other tip for best sound quality is DO NOT USE THE UfL CONNECTORS! (26awg pure solid silver for all connections)
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Thank you
Im tempted to give this a try. What difference in sound have you observed after this mod?
Do you have any pictures of your installation?
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All aspects of the music are noticeably improved - less grainy/more clarity, more detail, more realism - overall more transparent
After you hear the diff you'd wonder why TP designed the onboard regs to all run off of the same supply (esp. when the DAC manufacturer notes say to isolate analog and digital supplies)
The analog AVCC is the most important to separately supply. There are 2 (for left and right). I just use the same reg for both but if you want the theoretical best each can be supplies separately)
Clean XO power gives a more holographic image/better soundstage
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Are you still feeding 5v into avcc, xo and vd or have you adjusted the voltage?
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Originally Posted by: fernfrost Are you still feeding 5v into avcc, xo and vd or have you adjusted the voltage? 5V on all those inputs would likely kill the DAC. Feed 3.3v except for the single 1.2V trident (VDD) (Of course, if you already have XO trident and AVCC onboard reg and wish to modify them to take a clean feed then supply them with 5V) From the Manufacturer: Power Supplies To maximize THD+N, AVCC_L and AVCC_R must be powered by low-noise +3.3V supplies. Although AVCC_L and AVCC_R could be powered from a single low-noise supply, crosstalk would be compromised and so separate +3.3V supplies are highly recommended. The ES9311Q dual ultra-low noise regulator is designed to power AVCC_L and AVCC_R and maximize THD+N and crosstalk on all SABRE PRO DACs.
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Thank you.
My current plan is to use 4 Placid HD (one each for AVCC_L, AVCC_R, XO and VD) and feed 5V into the tridents and VD.
Although the AVCC tridents share the same board they are seperated so there should be no crosstalk when using seperate power supplies for L and R?
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Originally Posted by: fernfrost Thank you.
My current plan is to use 4 Placid HD (one each for AVCC_L, AVCC_R, XO and VD) and feed 5V into the tridents and VD.
Although the AVCC tridents share the same board they are seperated so there should be no crosstalk when using seperate power supplies for L and R? Unfortunately, that will not work for AVCC_L, AVCC_R, XO as the Placid HDs don't adjust down to 3.3v I would recommend LT3045 based regs - particularly for AVCC. They are better, smaller and cheaper than Placid HDs. Edited by moderator Tuesday, September 22, 2020 4:43:44 PM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: Possum
Unfortunately, that will not work for AVCC_L, AVCC_R, XO as the Placid HDs don't adjust down to 3.3v
But if keeping the tridents I wouldnt i feed them 5v ? Edited by moderator Tuesday, September 22, 2020 4:43:55 PM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: fernfrost Thank you.
My current plan is to use 4 Placid HD (one each for AVCC_L, AVCC_R, XO and VD) and feed 5V into the tridents and VD.
Although the AVCC tridents share the same board they are seperated so there should be no crosstalk when using seperate power supplies for L and R? Sorry - I misread. Yes that will work of course. If you have the Placids them by all means use them - but LT3045 reg boards are smaller, cheaper, and better if you don't. The current required for the AVCC is only around 125ma and the clock is a fraction of that, so Placids are a bit of overkill.
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Possum, I tried to PM you but your inbox appears to be full.
I wanted to ask you if you use separate transformers and psus for each of the tridents?
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Originally Posted by: fernfrost Possum, I tried to PM you but your inbox appears to be full.
I wanted to ask you if you use separate transformers and psus for each of the tridents? Yes of course, but only necessary for analog and XO - a small PCB mount 7v-7v toroid works nicely for LDO regs - not really critical for the 2 remaining tridents as they're digital power Transformers act as pretty good filters, but they're not perfect by any means. The DIYinHK regs have Murata chokes and I always put some filtering on mains power too (chokes and a couple of hi quality .47uF caps)
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