Awaiting Daniel’s answer, I’m afraid we are talking about another type of connection, called I2S (there are no standards in audio industry, some manufacturers use HDMI cables others RJ45 cables).
I2S is usually intended to work “inside a player chassis” to pass the data from a laser mechanism to an internal DAC.
When you use I2S from a Transport to an external DAC, the advantage is a better accuracy/integrity of the data playing SACDs (directly DSD without DSD to PCM conversion). I think it’s a Sony proprietary protocol, so some kind of license is needed to prevent SACD unauthorized copies.
@Abascal , I am afraid @luca.pelliccioli is correct. This is indeed an HDMI connection, but it is not for video/audio connections. You will need to continue using SPDIF outputs as you do now.
This format will be for specialized I2S over HDMI outputs from certain transports. An audio only medium. We will be releasing a list of compatible sources you can expect to use with this module. The goal is to enable SACD playback on all of our current DACs.
I confess that I suspected this would be the answer, but I preffered to ask to clarify.
No device in my system for the time being having I2S protocol. But good to know in case one day I procure one.
Thanks Luca and Daniel for the clarification
I believe the Hifi Rose RS130 is an amazing transport. Today I have it connected via Pro ISL into a Discrete DAC. Would it be better to use the new I2S module and the RS130 I2S output?
This is a great news, and “it solves” the problem of the availability of a proprietary MSB disc transport. I know that is sounds as a silly question, but will it be possilbe to insert 2 of these modules into an MSB DAC ? I’m thinking at the PS Audio transport (but also at the latest Audia Flight FLS20 even if this is a complete player but with I2S output capability) and a server/digital player as the Pink Faun 2.16 Ultra.
Thanks and compliments for the forum section directly moderate by you, this is a fantastic way to have straight info’s from the source
Absolutely @AlbertoPilot . You will be able to have multiple inputs and have them configured with the name of the source so it will be easy and clear to see which is selected.
We will need to add the Audia Flight FLS20 to our compatibility testing. Do you have one of these we could work with you on configuring?
Thanks Daniel for your prompt response.
Unfortunately I haven’t yet purchased the FLS20 but it’s in my whish list since a while. But it will be my personal pleasure being able to help you out when I’ll posses it.
I always enjoy Han’s videos. A thoughtful explainer. And a fun reminder how many of the interfaces are Philips, Sony, and other organizations. Thanks for sharing @luca.pelliccioli
@Bernardang , welcome to the forum! The simple answer is no. This will only be compatible with HDMI style I2S connections. The HDMI connection is a bit more common and an open standard, which is why we chose to add it. I do believe their I2S connection is only for use with their products only. A closed system.
Daniel is correct. We only support the HDMI I2S formats. The RJ-45 formats from what I see are a different voltage (up to 5V!) and single-ended. Even with an adaptor cable it won’t work and can cause damage. Our input is LVDS ONLY.
Any thoughts on using this new I2S over HDMI module to connect a ProJect RS2T CD Transport (which uses the SUOS CD-Pro8 top-load mechanism)? Apparently, this transport sends I2S AND masterclock over the HDMI connection.
Would there be any significant technical (and sonic) advantage to using the I2S over HDMI input module versus the AES/EBU or S/PDIF input modules with this particular CD transport?
Some people say I2S is best and others not so. My personal preference is using AES/EBU XLR between my N20 and MSB Premier along with a BNC clock cable from the Word Sync out of the MSB to the clock in of the N20. I find this connection superior to the ProISL/USB solution. I only use the ProISL/USB for DSD
