Buffalo32S

About the Buffalo32S

The Buffalo32S DAC from Twisted Pear Audio is built around the ESS Technology ES9018 Sabre Reference chip, delivering high-quality digital-to-analog conversion with support for S/PDIF, PCM, and DSD signals up to 32-bit/192kHz sample rates. Unlike earlier models, the Buffalo32S integrates the current-to-voltage (I/V) stage directly on the board, fully assembled with surface-mount components, simplifying implementation. It features a very low phase noise Crystek clock for improved jitter performance and uses low noise regulators with OSCON capacitors. The AVCC supply is split into two physically separate supplies for left and right channels, each based on LM49710 single opamps, enhancing audio fidelity. The design emphasizes EMI optimization, ground plane strategy, and supply bypassing to maximize the ESS chip's performance. The DAC outputs balanced stereo signals using four parallel DACs per channel in stereo mode. The Buffalo32S is considered a significant improvement over the original Buffalo I DAC, offering better clocking, power supply design, and integrated output stage for audiophile applications.