New HDMI I2S Input module!

@luca.pelliccioli , we were holding out to include the HiFi Rose I2S protocols in the initial release, but perhaps its time to call it and publish what we have. @Jonathan_Gullman can send you the links right away though.

Just updated to the latest version of firmware for both Ref DAC and DD this morning via

the whole process was smooth and it recognized the I2S module immediately after. The new dimming function is def a treat as it strikes a balance between functionality and performance/durability.

The I2S sound is indeed amazing from Antipodes Oladra. I’m not gonna say it’s better than either PRO-USB or Renderer, it’s just a matter of personal taste. In my system the sound via I2S is more “persuasive” than Pro-USB yet the balance / flow is still very very smooth.

Big shout out to MSB team for the this project! :smiley:

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Yes! Glad to hear it Wade! We should have the Cascade code online next week and will send out the firmware update via email blast to get more people adopting the new code. We also added a display dimming mode you may have noticed. It will help with the longevity of the LED’s on your display. We took some time to give the Select and Reference some tweaks and updates while implementing the I2S module. :+1:

@Daniel_Francis Is there a difference between the 35.21 version linked above and the beta version 35B.21? Should I update? Thanks.

@Jonathan_Gullman will have to confirm. He has been running the version changes, but my guess is yes. There may be the added display dimming that was not ready with your firmware version.

The final release version fixes a small display bug and more importantly it adds the display auto dimming feature.

Personally I love the auto-dim feature so much on the Cascade I just had to add it to our other products.

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Thanks @Daniel_Francis and @Jonathan_Gullman

Firmware updated successfully. PS Audio PST immediately found.

I’m listening to a SACD (again) and it sounds amazing.

Well done guys!

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I’ve spent several hours listening (again) to SACDs and CDs through PS Audio Transport since I added the HDMI I2S input module.

The sound is so inviting and unveiled that I’m excited and surprised, about red book CDs in particular. It makes me want to spin more silver discs.

Is it better than streaming? Maybe… time will tell.

It’s a big step up compared to AES/EBU I was using before, no doubts!

Music, music, music. What a pleasure!

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Wonderful to hear @luca.pelliccioli , please keep the feedback coming!

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Here’s a new Universal BluRay player using a Sony transport, having HDMI audio output. Wondering whether it’s compatible with MSB’s HDMI i2s input module?
https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/video-player/universal/magnetar-udp900-universal-disc-player-review/

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Alas, this is completely unrelated to the I2S format. This is instead standard HDMI audio without the video included. Used for sound bars or AV Receivers. The data also needs decoding etc. That would have been really nice if it could have worked though!

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Desperatly waiting for the French distributor to receive their order of the Universal I2S cards to trial it. I am on burning charcoal since Jan 8.
Any idea when France is going to be served ?

I will check into it! Lets get this going for you.

Hi Abascal,

What is the system you have ? What kind of MSB DAC and in which configuration (what source ) do you want to “try” it. It is not just a universal I2S, it’s specific for certain products that are tested and integrated in the software so it works correctly.

Frank

Look a bit above, I posted a message indicating that I want to use my Reference DAC + Reference DD with an ANTIPODES K50 with AMS 4.4.0 via a Universal I2S. It was on Jan 8th. Daniel answered that it should work. He also answered about the connection of the HDMI cable.
Did I misread the answer ?

I would suggest to schedule a tech call with Antipodes to update the software to 5.0.1.
The I2S HDMI module ks on the way to Paris.

The Paris dealer did call me few minutes ago. They have received the I2S modules.
Will do for the K50 upgrade to 5.0.1, thanks for the hint

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@Frank_Vermeylen
I picked up the Universal I2S input card on Saturday and plugged it into my Reference DD.
I scheduled a call with Antipodes last Sunday night, (Monday morning in NZ) and Prince did not recommend to upgrade from AMS 440 to AMS 501. Apparently my K50 seems to be a G1 version and Anitpodes prefers to stay in 440. There was no sound from the DAC so I thought it was due to the AMS version. Actually not. It was just me who did not set up the dip switches properly : 9 & 10 were properly set but 3 was not up. So all is now in order, the Universal I2S card is being burnt-in (for at least one week to ten days). By then, I will start comparing XLR with I2S.
And the K50 is now set for Squeeze + Squeeze, Roon + Roon and Squeeze + Roon. So another set of tests to be had. Reading on forums that the later is the best.
Anyone for a recommendation ?

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Excellent! Please share your thoughts in time.

Here’s a new “desktop component” sized Universal Transport with a Blu-Ray reader which outputs raw DSD through I2S. I do not know how it’s able to bypass the supposedly mandatory Sony license which unlocks the blockage. Perhaps the licensing requirements have expired, after 25+ years since the inception of SACD?

Its aesthetics are really not my taste, but I believe that this is only the start of a wave of similar products coming from Chinese brands to address the latent demand for audiophiles who want to access and listen to the SACD layer in their SACD/CD hybrid discs.

Hopefully, its pin assignments are identical to the PS Audio “standard”, so it can connect with full compatibility into MSB’s I2S input module!