Hi fellows,
I need fresh ideas on how to finish my DAC.
As for now I have a single S/PDIF input on the DAC and two S/PDIF sources. So sources and DAC can be used on someone else’s setup or are easily replaced if faulty (not the case with I2S-like I mean).
The DAC itself is up and running (terrific!), a Buffalo II with Tridents and Placid, Volumtie as digital-pre, I/V is a NTD1 (OPC’s take on Pass’ stuff).
My first idea is to add in the DAC's case a Twisted Pear OTTO II digital switch, and then have two S/PDIF sockets on the back panel. I am open to other switches, cheaper of course, no brand worshipping here, cheaper of same quality is always better 😉
But, as I also plan a MiniSharck from MiniDSP (room correction in digital domain), maybe I should go:
make a new case or fit in the DAC’s case the MiniSharck, add the DIGI-FP. Then I'll have single S/PDIF, TosLink, USB, SDcard and I2S inputs. But only one S/PDIF… so add to this case the OTTO II and got 2 S/PDIF (cost already scares me…).
Inputs are then numerous, great for later stuff or son’s computer.
As for digital link with the Buffalo I’ll have then choice between I2S and S/PDIF, I2S if better (really?) cost more as in need for active connectors (HDMI? Ethernet based?).
That’s all but cheap, and you’re more than welcome to give a new light on this, maybe there are upcoming great stuff (FreeDSP?) or eBay chinese wonders… When I set up my mind I’ll start saving, then build it, no after-built parts needed or extra parts bought for nothing… learnt an expression today: I need to hit the bull's-eye!
Matthieu
I need fresh ideas on how to finish my DAC.
As for now I have a single S/PDIF input on the DAC and two S/PDIF sources. So sources and DAC can be used on someone else’s setup or are easily replaced if faulty (not the case with I2S-like I mean).
The DAC itself is up and running (terrific!), a Buffalo II with Tridents and Placid, Volumtie as digital-pre, I/V is a NTD1 (OPC’s take on Pass’ stuff).
My first idea is to add in the DAC's case a Twisted Pear OTTO II digital switch, and then have two S/PDIF sockets on the back panel. I am open to other switches, cheaper of course, no brand worshipping here, cheaper of same quality is always better 😉
But, as I also plan a MiniSharck from MiniDSP (room correction in digital domain), maybe I should go:
make a new case or fit in the DAC’s case the MiniSharck, add the DIGI-FP. Then I'll have single S/PDIF, TosLink, USB, SDcard and I2S inputs. But only one S/PDIF… so add to this case the OTTO II and got 2 S/PDIF (cost already scares me…).
Inputs are then numerous, great for later stuff or son’s computer.
As for digital link with the Buffalo I’ll have then choice between I2S and S/PDIF, I2S if better (really?) cost more as in need for active connectors (HDMI? Ethernet based?).
That’s all but cheap, and you’re more than welcome to give a new light on this, maybe there are upcoming great stuff (FreeDSP?) or eBay chinese wonders… When I set up my mind I’ll start saving, then build it, no after-built parts needed or extra parts bought for nothing… learnt an expression today: I need to hit the bull's-eye!
Matthieu
Attachments
It's a former line of Schroff's cases, they still offer good stuff, e.g. Ratiopac PRO | Schroff | Europe, Moyen-Orient, Afrique et Inde | Pentair.
As I've saved several one (and other cases) from trash. I've also built my amp in, http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/class-d/87913-class-amp-photo-gallery-119.html#post4811949 , and still got one left as they come handy to customize. And as a perk all my builds looks the same =)
Other cases have to go: FS [Euro] Chassis, Heatsinks, Boards & parts...
As I've saved several one (and other cases) from trash. I've also built my amp in, http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/class-d/87913-class-amp-photo-gallery-119.html#post4811949 , and still got one left as they come handy to customize. And as a perk all my builds looks the same =)
Other cases have to go: FS [Euro] Chassis, Heatsinks, Boards & parts...
fwiw, while i2s offers greater sampling it's also prone to some unlocking, at least with my system, which is consistent with material I've read regarding an I2s feed with BII. Individual results may vary based on PC and how its implemented and whether this presents a sound enjoyment issue. Most folks seem to commit themselves to one format or another, with many migrating away from spdif entirely and toward USB receiver with i2s/dsd capability(xmos/amanero, etc.) As they say, there's no free lunch when attempting to make things for 'all people'.. or formats in this case. Hopefully an expert will chime in.
Thank for that usefull input,
as I held I2S as user friendly as SPDIF maybe I should read more on I2S compliance between the miniSharck and the BII.
as I held I2S as user friendly as SPDIF maybe I should read more on I2S compliance between the miniSharck and the BII.
" ... choice between I2S and S/PDIF, I2S if better (really?) "
Hi Malefoda
You possibly know already ...
... but SPDIF is actually an ANALOG ! interface signal !!!
That is why the CABLE etc. makes a big difference on SPDIF ...
... & other than shielding, not much difference on USB, HDMI, I2S.
I have loads of 75-Ohm SPDIF studio stuff, like samplers & reverb etc.
Made lots of my own 75-Ohm BNC cables from very best, VERY SHIELDED wire.
Connected all to a DIY 19" rack patchbay.
I am VERY committed to SPDIF ... A child of the early '90s ! ;-)
More shiny aluminium boxes ! ... N i c e !
The 'Schrof' cases & 19" racking stuff is too cool for school.
My favorite when I've just had a BINGO ! on the Lotto !! ;-)
More angles please !!!!!
Si.
t.S.E.c
.
Hi Malefoda
You possibly know already ...
... but SPDIF is actually an ANALOG ! interface signal !!!
That is why the CABLE etc. makes a big difference on SPDIF ...
... & other than shielding, not much difference on USB, HDMI, I2S.
I have loads of 75-Ohm SPDIF studio stuff, like samplers & reverb etc.
Made lots of my own 75-Ohm BNC cables from very best, VERY SHIELDED wire.
Connected all to a DIY 19" rack patchbay.
I am VERY committed to SPDIF ... A child of the early '90s ! ;-)
More shiny aluminium boxes ! ... N i c e !
The 'Schrof' cases & 19" racking stuff is too cool for school.
My favorite when I've just had a BINGO ! on the Lotto !! ;-)
More angles please !!!!!
Si.
t.S.E.c
.
.
Hi Greg.
One can send an analog signal through a fibre optic cable.
But, in any case ...
... SPDIF (Sony Philips Digital Interface) is a wired 75-Ohm impedance coaxial connection.
Dunno much about it, some like it, some say it's way inferior, but ...
... perhaps you are thinking of the optical TOSLINK connection, a different kettle of fish.
Si.
t.S.E.c
.
Hi Greg.
One can send an analog signal through a fibre optic cable.
But, in any case ...
... SPDIF (Sony Philips Digital Interface) is a wired 75-Ohm impedance coaxial connection.
Dunno much about it, some like it, some say it's way inferior, but ...
... perhaps you are thinking of the optical TOSLINK connection, a different kettle of fish.
Si.
t.S.E.c
.
hi t.S.E.c,
I find this a good reference, they can explain things better than I can:
epanorama.net/S/PDIF Interface
regards
Greg
I find this a good reference, they can explain things better than I can:
epanorama.net/S/PDIF Interface
regards
Greg
.
Hi Greg
Your ^^ link explains, in among the technical bumpf, that coaxial 75-Ohm SPDIF is basicaly a 1V p-p Sine Wave ! 😱
Also that the optical digital connection is referred to as TOSLINK.
What I am trying to say, is what they also infer in your link ...
... look at the 75-Ohm coaxial SPDIF 1V p-p Sine Wave on a 'scope & it's essentially an ANALOG signal ...
... not a square-wave to be seen anywhere. 😕
Not much consequence for the average user though ... 😀
... just plug it in & Bob's yer Uncle ! ... Digital audio from an analog signal ...
... all nicely 'squared up' by some niffty re-clocking or whatever they do to make the analog signal useable.
75-Ohm 1V p-p SPDIF is essentially like an analog video signal, as they say in your ^^ Link as well. 😎
Si. 🙂
t.S.E.c
.
The electrical characteristics of AES/EBU are based on on RS-422, so basically any differential RS-422 chip will do as the receiver and transmitter chips.
S/PDIF coaxial interface is not specifically based on any other standard I know of (but is quite similar in signal levels and bandwidth requirements to some video signals).
Read more at: http://www.epanorama.net/documents/audio/spdif.h
.
Hi Greg
Your ^^ link explains, in among the technical bumpf, that coaxial 75-Ohm SPDIF is basicaly a 1V p-p Sine Wave ! 😱
Also that the optical digital connection is referred to as TOSLINK.
What I am trying to say, is what they also infer in your link ...
... look at the 75-Ohm coaxial SPDIF 1V p-p Sine Wave on a 'scope & it's essentially an ANALOG signal ...
... not a square-wave to be seen anywhere. 😕
Not much consequence for the average user though ... 😀
... just plug it in & Bob's yer Uncle ! ... Digital audio from an analog signal ...
... all nicely 'squared up' by some niffty re-clocking or whatever they do to make the analog signal useable.
75-Ohm 1V p-p SPDIF is essentially like an analog video signal, as they say in your ^^ Link as well. 😎
Si. 🙂
t.S.E.c
.
The electrical characteristics of AES/EBU are based on on RS-422, so basically any differential RS-422 chip will do as the receiver and transmitter chips.
S/PDIF coaxial interface is not specifically based on any other standard I know of (but is quite similar in signal levels and bandwidth requirements to some video signals).
Read more at: http://www.epanorama.net/documents/audio/spdif.h
.
Last edited:
- Status
- Not open for further replies.