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The Bloat is a DAC combined with a 2-stage amplifier that streams digital audio through USB, essentially acting as a high quality sound card. The major difference between the Bloat and other commercially available products is the addition of a dedicated high quality DAC and 2 amplifiers making this a great combination with high impedence heaphones.
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In Detail:
Digital music and power is provided from your pc via USB to the Bloat. The digital signal is received by a BurrBrown PCM2707 USB Receiver IC. The digital signal continues into a BurrBrown DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) PCM1798 (or PCM1794, see upgrade options link below). After the DAC the converted analogue signal goes into the first of the 2-stage amplifiers, also know as the I/V stage. It then enters the second stage amplifer and continues out via the 3.5mm stereo jack to your headphones.
Each OpAmp used has a set gain of 6. As a result the output power is high and HIPPOhifi strongly recommends users to be cautious listening for long periods at high volumes, especially with lower impedence headphones.
See below for alternative Op Amps, DAC and Capacitors options.
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RCA Upgrade
Due to popular demand an RCA version is available for use with amplifiers. High quality gold plated RCAs are used, single pair only.
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Op Amp Upgrade
The Bloat uses a dual stage amplifier design. Each stage requires 2 channels (left and right). The Bloat acheives this using two dual channel Op Amps.
Within the dual channel Op Amp arena there are two forerunners, Burr Brown OPA2107 and the Analogue Devices AD8620. HIPPOhifi recommends this to be the first upgrade to the base unit.
Please refer to the FAQs for more information on Op Amp selection.
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Capacitor Upgrade
It is well known that a properly designed power supply can improve sonic performance. Fundamental in the design of the Bloat is the selection of its components. Because of the power supply's influence on sonic performance we have fitted one of the best electrolytic capacitors available and provided an option for extreme audiophiles. The Bloat is fitted with 4 Elna Cerfine 100uf capacitors and 2 Nichicon Muse 330uf capacitors. This upgrade takes it to 16 Elna Cerafine 100uf capacitors. After 100hrs of listening, you will find the sound stage will become more open and detailed.
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DAC Upgrade
The DAC is the key component in the unit's entire design. Many other products don't include a separate integrated circuit for Digital to Analogue Conversion. That is why the base unit includes a PCM1798 24bit Burr Brown DAC. Furthermore the components supporting the DAC, such as the power supply, are carefully selected to ensure it can perform at its best. Take a look at the PCM1798 specifications:
 24bit resolution
123db Dynamic Range
0.00005% distortion
Sampling rates up to 200kHz
This upgrade utilizes the big brother PCM1794, one of the best Burr Brown DACs available. This upgrade is for extreme audiophiles demanding only the best audio reproduction. The output is somewhat laid back, typical of Burr-Brown components, but more noticeable with this DAC. Specifications for the PCM1794 are similar to the PCM1798 with the exception of the following:
129db Dynamic Range
0.00004% Distortion
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0.5m USB Cable
This would be the most common choice with the Bloat. Good quality type A to B USB cable. 0.5m in length. Manufactured by Lindy.
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1m USB Cable
Good quality type A to B USB cable. 1m in length. Manufactured by Lindy.
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2m USB Cable
Good quality type A to B USB cable. 2m in length. Manufactured by Lindy.
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3m USB Cable
Good quality type A to B USB cable. 3m in length. Manufactured by Lindy.
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