TPA - USB Transport

[ccclapp]

There is a XMOS Reference Design board available on Digi-key for $349 for multichannel. It looks pretty sweet, but I don't own one. Definitely a cost saver for a DIYer, check it out.

-Aaron

Thanks Aaron

I see the product but dont fully understand it. What does it do. Sorry Im a bit new to DIY.

Heres the link:
Digi-Key - 880-1027-ND (Manufacturer - XR-USB-AUDIO-2.0-MC)

 

[Zero Cool]

There is a $149 stereo version of the xmos eval kit too! BUT, the xmos eval kits only come with a driver that beeps every few minutes. you cannot get a driver without paying lots of $$ for it!!

 

[Russ White]

Both the stereo and 8 channel XMOS demo boards have been out for quite a while. Nothing new here.

I have been using both to test out things I needed to know to design my own application. While not bad, neither is exactly awesome. Still you can use them with teleporter and get some very good results.

 

[pinnocchio]

The only downside of the eval board is the driver... It is not the "fully functional" driver, meaning that you get annoying audio warning...

 

[orpheus]

Both the stereo and 8 channel XMOS demo boards have been out for quite a while. Nothing new here.

I have been using both to test out things I needed to know to design my own application. While not bad, neither is exactly awesome. Still you can use them with teleporter and get some very good results.

I was thinking of getting the 2 channel XMOS reference board and using it with the teleporter for i2s into my Buffalo II. What is "not awesome" about the reference boards? Did you discover some problems with them as you used them? In what ways does your design application better the reference boards?

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

Aaron.

 

[adelias]

There is a $149 stereo version of the xmos eval kit too! BUT, the xmos eval kits only come with a driver that beeps every few minutes. you cannot get a driver without paying lots of $$ for it!!

Actually there is a free driver available from CEntrance and it works perfectly with the XMOS reference board.

 

[AndriyOL]

If possible, I would like to do DSD.

If sound card option works, what is my connection type from PC card to B-III.

Thanks in advance!!

As for I2S, you can do it like I did and get multichannel. DSD hacking of SACD player is described at TPA support forum, search for it.

 

[labjr]

Actually there is a free driver available from CEntrance and it works perfectly with the XMOS reference board.

Perfectly? But wouldn't that be for Adaptive mode and not Asynchronous?

 

[merlin el mago]

Any news about release date?

 

[NicMac]

I'm also curious, not willing to spend money on the exa device.

 

[merlin el mago]

No news?

 

[Russ White]

No news?

Maybe soon. I am pressing to finish it up, but I am also working on something new that may render this module obsolete soon.

Brian and I are having strategic discussions to try to figure out the best logistical plan.

 

[pinnocchio]

working on something new that may render this module obsolete soon...

Russ,

Give us at least a little meat to byte on... What is this audio device that could render it obsolete?

A hint?

Thanks
Do

 

[Russ White]

Well every USB transport needs a host...

I am working a source that actually is a networked host. Think DLNA etc.

 

[barrows]

USB...

Russ, I do hope that a SOTA USB-I2S interface will still be on TPA's menu. Even if you do develop a very good ethernet interface, there are plenty of TPA customers who are already married to the USB approroach, who own highly optomized USB output computer sources.

 

[ccclapp]

...also hoping you wont forget us multi-channel and/or DSD guys ;-)

 

[atoluma]

network module will permit multichannel i think

 

[Russ White]

network module will permit multichannel i think

Yes it definitely could.

You won't need a highly optimized host for this approach either, just the files you wan to play. You actually don't even need a network. There will be other ways to get at your audio with this approach.

There is nothing magical or even particularly beneficial about USB for audio. Don't get me wrong, its a fine solution, but I am not convinced it is the best - quite the reverse actually. I am certain it can be done better.

 

[ccclapp]

DSD?

 

[5th element]

What kind of latency are we talking about and will it be ASIO compatible?