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USB vs S/PDIF

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VinodCrispon View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote VinodCrispon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jun 2020 at 5:38pm
Hi Graham,
I too agree that SPDIF Sound quality varies with components. Initially I was under the impression a cheap CD Transport or Network Streamer with Coax out is sufficient, Save & Invest on a good DAC. How much more can I go wrong. Cry. I now strongly believe a DAC cannot improve on what is not there, and definitely "Majestic" is not doing that. (Probably much easier to manipulate the signals in the DAC for the newer FPGA Software controlled DAC Technologies)

Considering your experience on S/PDIF sounding different in different sources, how Pure is the Digital out of the S/PDIF. In this context do you feel the I2S will be a better source of Digital Signal vs coax or Optical.
Also what are the advantages of the AES connector Vs the RCA Coax / Optical (SPDIF) signals. 
Considering the Majestic has so many Input options can a AES or I2S over HDMI will be an option that can be offered?Smile
Vinod Vincent

Elevator & Accession w PSU-1/ Majestic w Enigma/ Cusat/ Lautus
TT: Amazon 1(Candenza Bronze)
Amp: Accuphase E650
CD/Streamer: OPPO UDP205/CYRUS StreamX2
Speaker: Dynaudio Contour S3.4
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Graham Slee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jun 2020 at 9:24pm
My experience of I2S is to keep the inter-IC connections as short as possible, which in the Majestic "DAC Engine" is about 1.5 inches. I cannot imagine I2S becoming an interconnect cable.

AES is the professional standard for studios where the XLR reigns supreme. Still, it has to terminate to single ended. It has a matching impedance of 110 ohms.

S/PDIF, using 75 ohm coax, is terminated 75 ohms. Not much more to say.

A good (fast) transformer, either or both ends, tends to ensure a clean signal.

Optical is limited by data rate to 96kHz, but can be encoded and decoded at logic levels, which is far cleaner in my opinion.

I think you'll find it is nothing to do with these items, but the way the transport is implemented.
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Aussie Mick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Aussie Mick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jun 2020 at 11:51pm
Hi Graham,
   Thanks for your recent explanations of these connections. They ring true with a few other things I’ve read from other respected designers. In particular on the cleanness of optical, one quite prominent DAC designer who shares your view has been heavily criticised by the blogging types for voicing such an opinion. Your explanation makes perfect sense. One often wonders what happened to the naysayers in early life to make them so bitter and suspicious.
Thanks for your work,
Mick.
Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote VinodCrispon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jun 2020 at 4:56pm
Hi Graham, Thanks for the feedback on the different interconnects. 

With regards to the Optical. Last year I had the opportunity to meet Rob Watts, he also share the same opinion on Optical as yours. But I am yet to try a good sounding optical connection, It was always bright sounding for my taste.

Unfortunately during the event arranged by the local dealer, out of 60mins he spoke for 57 mins and 3mins they played an electronic track, I ended up returning with so much of Theory on FPGA than how their DAC sounded.

Am happy it happened that way. No further confusions, I just decided to blindly take the Leap with Majestic. And I am happy I did it. I am all 'Slee'ed' again.
Vinod Vincent

Elevator & Accession w PSU-1/ Majestic w Enigma/ Cusat/ Lautus
TT: Amazon 1(Candenza Bronze)
Amp: Accuphase E650
CD/Streamer: OPPO UDP205/CYRUS StreamX2
Speaker: Dynaudio Contour S3.4
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