Can an HDMI output be converted into something a USB input would accept?


My disc player (Cambridge CXU) will only output DSD files via HDMI; is there a way to convert this to USB, or optical, so I can send it to a DAC that doesn't accept HDMI?
128x128cheeg

When you go down the non-standard rabbit hole, don't be surprised if all you find at the bottom is rabbit turds.

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External DAC's accept DSD only in two ways:

DSD over PCM (DoP) for S/PDIF and USB. Limited to 2x DSD

Direct DSD via USB 2.0. My Brooklyn plays at least quad DSD this way just fine. 

But to get here I have to buy DSD files I'm afraid. 

You may find more useful data here:

https://www.stereophile.com/category/music-round

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Thanks for the responses, folks -- I'm afraid this ship won't float.  @whart you may be right, but the Cambridge tech support people said it was a "DSD" signal, so I assumed they meant unencrypted DSD -- you know what happens when you assume.  It sounds like there is no simple conversion, so I'll just continue to listen to my SACD's the old fashioned way (which sounded good, it's just a bit inconvenient).  Happy listening to you all!

Okay, this is not HDMI, it is only an HDMI connector.  That changes everything.  It is actually LVDS differential I2S on HDMI connector.

The only way you will use this is to get a Wyred4sound DAC or a PSAudio DAC that has differential HDMI input.  Make sure that they support the DSD function on that connector first and that the pinout is compatible.  It usually is for HDMI.

There are some converters out there that convert differential I2S on HDMI to single-ended TTL I2S like this one:

https://hifimediy.com/i2s-DSD-isolator

This will allow you to connect to more DAC's, like the Northstar, but requires a cable adapter. Get the pinout of the DAC's RJ-45 I2S input and make a cable.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

@cheeg  
hi, i was in your same position many years back but not with Cambridge products. i search everywhere even at DIY forums but to no avail. The HDMI to coax/optical converter doesn't work in our case because it ONLY WORK FOR consumer video players that output HDMI standard signals (video & audio) protocol.

Audiophile products are just using the HDMI connectors out of convenience to stream DSD signals, definitely not the same signals from common household bluray player. There isn't a agreed standard between various manufacturers regarding the pin configuration within the HDMI connector too.

you need to look for a DAC that accept DSD signals through HDMI connector that corresponds to Cambridge HDMI pin configuration, otherwise you are stuck with using a Cambridge DAC,

in addition, even if you manage to find a converter that work with your USB input, IMHO, i think it isn't that worthwhile since the additional conversion would cause more jitters , plus additional digital cable & its connections would totally degrade your DSD signals. 
l'm sorry that maybe hard to accept. 
-phil  

Isn't the reason that, at least when this was on an SACD format, it was encrypted so all hardware had to match the 'closed system' protocol with no digital output that could be accessed outside of that closed loop? E.g., like original and Blu DVD? 

I believe you can buy an HDMI to coax/Toslink converter.  Probably not USB.  I would Google "HDMI to coax converter" or "HDMI to digital converter".  If nothing, try searching on sweetwater.com.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio