Taking a short break from designing the Sentinel DAC, we knocked out this design today. We need to order prototype PCB’s, test, and then improve the final design before ordering production. So far, everything has been going very smoothly with this project. The module will include an FPGA so the I2S signal can be customized on a source by source basis. Many sources do not have the same I2S protocol, so this should be pretty universal compared to a dedicated input. Fully isolated high quality HDMI connection, you can see a very robust isolation design that should hold up to heavy duty audiophile cables.
It will already be setup for the PS Audio transport to support SACD playback. We will also being working with Antipodes as well. Let us know if there are any sources you would like to see supported so we can start looking into them. Future sources will be a simple code update to have enabled.
This module will be compatible with the Discrete DAC, Premier DAC, Reference DAC, Select DAC, Cascade DAC, and the Sentinel DAC.
You bet! Thanks Daniel for sharing, this is really a great solution and the proof of MSB incredible attitude to suite the customer’s needs in the current market technology.
Transports like PS Audio PST or Jay’s Audio CDT MK will benefit from that. But also server/streamers, even if in this case a direct Pro ISL connection (which is already work in progress) should be the way.
Will do. With the variety of sources, I am sure we will need some beta testers. If you are willing, perhaps you can be a part of that group. The performance may also depend on how the source handles the I2S signal. It could be a step up!? We have done our best to make the interface really robust and high performing as is.
I see a “word sync” out. I thought the i2s protocol to be asynchronous, and the clock information be handled by the receiving device, just like USB. I guess I was wrong.
Currently no I2S sources sync to the DAC, the word sync output is to enable it on any products that will be able to take advantage of it. All incoming audio is reclocked in our internal buffers with our on board clocks. We wanted this module to be as future ready as possible and hope to see this feature get used.
I’m using the word clock input (with AES/EBU module) for grounding purposes, I have a CAD Ground Control GC1.1 connected to it.
When an input module is not in use, I suppose it is isolated, so it couldn’t make sense. Nevertheless I can hear a benefit, maybe because high frequencies are difficult to be completely isolated?
As for beta users, of course here I am if you need one for the PS Audio PST (I guess you already know all about it though).
@Daniel_Gullman , is the HDMI input working with the Antipodes servers’ HDMI I2S digital output already?
It would be interesting to know whether this HDMI I2S interface is better than the Pro USB-ISL interface.
The ProUSB’s big advantage is the ProISL interface. What it will give you that the HDMI I2S interface will not is MUCH better isolation, and more importantly, master clock feedback. When using the ProISL/ProUSB the clock in the DAC is the master clock for the entire system. It clocks the data on the cable and it requests the data from the server.
From what we can find, no source with a HDMI I2S output supports clock feedback. The word-sync is there in the hopes that someone will include clock feedback support on their source.
A native ProISL connection will of course be the best method
One question Daniel, is there a licence needed for the SACD playback from Tranport to DAC? If memory serves me well, PS Audio guys mentioned about it when they launched their own DAC, that connected via I2S to the Transport can play SACDs (as usually works inside a player chassis). Anyhow I found posts from Paul McGowan where he says that every DAC able to sport a I2S input is allowed to play SACDs from PST without any legal restrictions.
We use an encrypted handshake with the PS Audio so the digital signal is not made vulnerable for data ripping. The transport is not allowed to send out the signal without this, otherwise people could easily copy SACD data. In a way, our DAC is now piggybacking off the PS Audio which has the SACD license setup. On some level, our DAC can be configured to playback anything you send it’s way. With the proprietary link, this becomes a closed system.
And just like that… waiting on the PCB’s. One of the great benefits of an in house design team and manufacturing. We can make stuff happen on our timeline!
Final module name will be “Universal I2S Input Module”. Universal reflecting our ability to change as needed from source format to source. I2S over HDMI is far from standardized in our industry.
Another step closer! We are able to verify the metal case and begin CNC production now. We can have finished cases by the time the first PCB production is completed.
You may also notice the bright red PCB as unusual. We order our prototypes in non standard colors so we will never mix up prototypes from real production. If a beta tester has one of these boards, it is very easy to see.
Daniel
Offering a new HDMI module is an excellent news. But just to make sure I understand it well, it is the module that will allow to connect fr example a BluRay or UHD player ? I watch Operas Blurays on my system and would love to connect the HDMI Audi out output of my Oppo105 player directly on my Digital Director Reference DAC.
Presently I use a coax cable to connect the Dig Coax SP/DIF Oppo105 output to an SPDIF input card in the DD. Looking forward to an improved output via HDMI is the promise a better audio quality on this new module.
