I2s DSD


Hi I'd really like to know if anyone is successfully and enjoyably using either a PS Audio or dCS SACD transport into a high end DAC such as the Mola Mola. I'm not interested in hearing about CHI-FI DACs.

I am specicically interested in pure DSD across I2s which has not been converted in any way and any issues with high end DACs handling the signal.

If you can enlighten me on alternative I2s, DSD transports and servers or even possible USB to I2s converters, it would be highly appreciated. Thanking you in advance. My server is an Aurender N20.

128x128lordmelton

Showing 1 response by rooze

There’s a ’Chinese Black-Box’ available from a couple of eBay sellers that takes an HDMI input from a SACD player (like an OPPO) and strips the video signal, passing the DSD audio layer to a variety of output types, including i2s. I bought one but I haven’t used it yet. It took weeks to get here from China even though I paid for expedited shipping and came sans wall-wart and any instructions. (Though a standard wall-wart will work and operation is pretty self-explanatory since it’s just a simple pass-through device.)

PS -  The HDMI output from a SACD player is not i2s compatible in any way. SACD players use the 'true' HDMI format which carries the audio and the video signal. I2S is not HDMI, it just happens to use the same plug type, in some instances. So for example, my Denafrips supports i2s, but it won't recognize or decode a signal coming from the HDMI output on my OPPO SACD player, it needs to be converted (in my case, via the Chinese BB). I know most of you know this, but there are some who possibly do not.