Pass D1 - using i2s input

Dear all,

First off, if this is in the wrong section (digital line instead of pass labs?) forgive me.

I have a pass D1 that is configured for SPDIF input, I think it was on a version by spencer(?) back in the day. I could well be wrong on that. Anyway, things have moved on, and I have pretty much left the world of CDs behind, and was thinking of seeing could I modify this to take i2s lines directly from an xmos usb card.

Has anyone done this already? The d1 splits the lines into left and right, so I reckon I would need to inject the i2s before the flip flop that splits into left and right, but are there other considerations?

Any pointers are very welcome. I know some will say I shouldn't attempt this if I'm asking these questions, but its better to at least look at this than have such a nice piece of kit sitting on the shelf.

Fran
 
Thanks ZM.

Its definitely not factory for sure. I bought it years back from another member here, as a DIY model. I am probably wrong on the Spencer name.... when you look at the board, it says "diy fun - csk" and "2007 - 4 - v30" So I guess theres the dates of production. I've included a few pics. First, of the overall board, then another of the input section and lastly that name badge.
 

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Dear all,

First off, if this is in the wrong section (digital line instead of pass labs?) forgive me.

I have a pass D1 that is configured for SPDIF input, I think it was on a version by spencer(?) back in the day. I could well be wrong on that. Anyway, things have moved on, and I have pretty much left the world of CDs behind, and was thinking of seeing could I modify this to take i2s lines directly from an xmos usb card.

It is possible.

The d1 splits the lines into left and right, so I reckon I would need to inject the i2s before the flip flop that splits into left and right,

Not quite.

but are there other considerations?

Yes.
Do you want to keep the SPDIF input ?
What usb card do have and how configurable is it ? If it only does I2S, glue logic will be required.
Do you want to playback hires files ?
 
I believe this is the original thread, pictures etc all line up as far as I can see.

NP D1 DAC clone with enhancement

I've attached here the PDF that is further on in that thread for my board version, I've only included the DAC section here, and all are posted starting at post 93 of that thread.

I bought this in 2009, can't believe its been that long!!

So, my coarse rusty reading of this.... in theory I should be able to bring in the i2s lines somewhere after the receiver circuitry but before where the flip flop splits the signal to left and right (I think?). So if I have MCK, LRCK, BCK, Data they should drop in somewhere there?

With humble thanks for the help so far....
 

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Yes.
Do you want to keep the SPDIF input ?
What usb card do have and how configurable is it ? If it only does I2S, glue logic will be required.
Do you want to playback hires files ?


No, I don't need to keep SPDIF - can't see me ever going back to there.
The usb card is linked below - DIYINHK Xmos one. I would consider others if that isn't suitable, but I have one to hand.
XMOS 384kHz DXD DSD256 high-quality USB to I2S/DSD/SPDIF PCB - DIYINHK

No, playing back hi res is not necessary. Sure, it might be nice to have, but not concerned if its not an option.
 
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OK, excellent. Thank you for that info. I think what I'll do is try the diyinhk board and get it working with spdif output (which should be as easy as making the connections and poaching a little 3.3V somewhere off the board.

Once that's working, I think I'll spring for that board from JLSounds and connect it in as you suggest.

Many thanks for the help on this. Is there anything else I need to watch out for do you think?
 
True. Its not that I want to change the character (after all it is its own thing, and sounds gorgeous) but I would like to be able to use it with usb input.


Anyway.... just to let you know I've just done a quick and dirty connection from that diyinhk xmos board in via spdif and its working fine here. Well, it plays at least, no critical eval done yet.