Gustard A 26 I2S input

Hi - 

If the end game is to use PS Audio components, it's very simple ... 

if you are using a PS Audio SACD transport and wish to take advantage of PS Audio's SACD processing, you need to use a (recent vintage) PS Audio DAC.

That is what I do.  If you use a GUSTARD DAC, you will need two cables, one for I2S to I2S (HDMI Cable) ostensibly to play the SACD layer and another cable (your choice - USB, Coax, etc) for the redbook layer.  Even with the two cables, you won't get all of PSA's SACD processing.  You need a PSA DAC.  That is how the PSA interface software was written.  

Best regards,

Rich

Gustard A26 is a high-end audio DAC (digital-to-analog converter) that features an I2S input. The I2S (Inter-IC Sound) interface is a serial bus interface used for transmitting audio data between digital audio devices, such as a DAC and a digital audio processor. The I2S input on the Gustard A26 allows it to receive digital audio signals from compatible devices, such as a music player or a computer, and convert them into analog signals for playback on a traditional amplifier and speakers. The use of an I2S interface ensures high-quality audio transmission with minimal jitter, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles and music lovers.

Need to move up to the more pricey ddcs as said above. I’ve been looking also. Gotta spend to get that at the moment. 

HDMI is not i2s.

i2s is not HDMI.

To my knowledge no commercial "converter" exists since the market is minimal for such a dope device.

You may wish to contact Alvin Chee at Vinshine Audio.

He is the distributor for Denafrips.

Denafrips Hermes or Gaia DDC both feature Toslink and Coax digital inputs and I2S outputs.  Vinshine should be able to tell you if their product is compatible with Gustard HDMI pin configuration. 

However, be warned, that if your goal is to utilize Gustard DAC to handle SACDs, neither Toslink or Coax outputs will support the DSD stream, and you would be limited to the redbook layer of a hybrid SACD.  

To utilize Gustard DAC to play SACD DSD stereo layer would require something like the Geerfab D.BOB (digital breakout box).  D.BOB takes HDMI as input, and outputs via Toslink or Coax, which then could be fed into Gustard DAC (or a compatible DDC ahead of the DAC in order to get to I2S).  DSD is then handled by Gustard as DOP (DSD over PCM).  

Note that most DDCs only handle USB as input, and that only the more expensive DDCs such as Denafrips Hermes and Gaia handle inputs other than USB.