ES9018 and I2S

[sjalloq]

Hi there,

I'd like to use my ES9018 with an I2S input and was wondering if anyone has any experience with using different quality clocks for the I2S master and if they had any perceived effect on sound quality?

The DAC is supposedly immune to jitter on its inputs so has anyone compared using a cheap crystal oscillator vs. a TENT clock module for example? Did it make a difference or is it a waste of funds that could be spent elsewhere?

Also, if I'm connecting two separate boards together via I2S, I should try and keep the wire length as short as possible but what is a suitable wire? Can I use a ribbon cable? Simple 4 wire for GND, BCK, LRCK and DATA or interleaved grounds?

Thanks.

[fmak]

Originally Posted by sjalloq

Hi there,

I'd like to use my ES9018 with an I2S input and was wondering if anyone has any experience with using different quality clocks for the I2S master and if they had any perceived effect on sound quality?

The DAC is supposedly immune to jitter on its inputs so has anyone compared using a cheap crystal oscillator vs. a TENT clock module for example? Did it make a difference or is it a waste of funds that could be spent elsewhere?

Also, if I'm connecting two separate boards together via I2S, I should try and keep the wire length as short as possible but what is a suitable wire? Can I use a ribbon cable? Simple 4 wire for GND, BCK, LRCK and DATA or interleaved grounds?

Thanks.

There is no such thing as total immunity to clocks, cables and power supplies. I2S is as prone to cable effects as other formats.

For short lengths, just using Cat5e or 6 twisted pair. I have used about 1/2 m with 5 contact plugs and sockets.

[sjalloq]

Originally Posted by fmak

There is no such thing as total immunity to clocks, cables and power supplies. I2S is as prone to cable effects as other formats.

Hey fmak, thanks for that. I fully understand the point you raise but with this particular DAC the effect of clock jitter is allegedly minimal. With that in mind I'm trying to make a design trade off based on cost vs. any perceived improvement. I can obviously just try it for myself and see what I think but it would also be good to hear from those who have done the same experiments.

Cheers.

[fmak]

Originally Posted by sjalloq

Hey fmak, thanks for that. I fully understand the point you raise but with this particular DAC the effect of clock jitter is allegedly minimal. With that in mind I'm trying to make a design trade off based on cost vs. any perceived improvement. I can obviously just try it for myself and see what I think but it would also be good to hear from those who have done the same experiments.

Cheers.

There are no dacs that are immune as suggested. I have had many and you just need to try it for yourself.

The ESS is nice sounding if you set it up properly.