Please share your impressions, in comparing the two models, if you are so inclined. My streaming/network connection struggles (stability, mainly) were resolved when I upgraded to Bridge II and experienced/perceived an overall improvement in my system’s performance. Coupled with the latest Bridge, and second-latest DSD Sr,. software, my system has never sounded better.
Regards.*
[*All of the Matrix X-SPDIF 2 enthusiast have got me wondering if there is a way to eke even more performance from my kit but I have an admitted negative bias toward USB be as the initial digital transmission line. Maybe there is a way I can have my cake (transmit my files and Roon content over Wi-Fi to my modem/router) and eat it too (even better system performance with digitized content)?]
Two years past since last post in this thread. Any news about upcoming Bridge III? Or maybe Directstream mk2 DAC?
DSD 128-256 formats become more actual and so network update become actual too.
Bridge III will come out with the Octave server I think. There is no firm date on that.
I don’t think there are any plans for a Directstream Mk2 - it already gets regular upgrades via firmware so there is no pressing need - indeed a new one appears to be imminent.
Right now Ted is working on their considerably more expensive Obsidian DAC and that will be read when it is ready. So even if there were a pressing need it would probably be developed after that.
Actually, it was two months since the last post. Previously Paul has said the Octave server will be released in early 2020, Bridge III (or whatever it will be called) will be released after that. So I would say we are probably a year or more away.
I’d say we’re still on track for those predictions. Octave’s in programming for the iPad/Android app, the hardware’s on its third round and working, firmware’s done. We hope to be Alpha testing some time in November.
Sometime new, would you like to know, if possible, how are the advances for our Bridge III, @Paul ?
I was wondering, it would be in my view great that we could reach the fullness of DS Sr running DSD 2X through this new Bridge natively, is it possible?
Looking forward to updates !!! Are we nearing the launch of Bridge III?
Next I think about upgrading my transport (currently Bridge II) associated with DS, then i remember that we should be close to the new Bridge Launch and safe from anxiety.
I hope the bridge III is Roon ready. I’m a lifetime subscriber of roon/tidal and have invested a lot of time creating playlists and the like as well as a networked NAS configuration that I don’t want to have to spend time re-engineering again. As well as the fact that I really like Roon.
You can always just stick with the Bridge 2 if the 3 doesn’t have what you want. I agree though, Roon is getting a strong foothold and a Bridge 3 without a Roon option could be a tough sell.
I like how Roon works with such a variety of equipment. It even plays my Sonos system.
I know I can stick to bridge II but I’m hoping I don’t have to miss out on the next evolution of the dsd. It isn’t just that Roon works on dsd being an advantage, but Roon also runs on inexpensive devices like a raspberry pi allowing one to create inexpensive Roon endpoints around the home. I can’t afford more than one dsd and my family now depends on streaming Roon around the house to multiple raspberry pi endpoints also via playlists comprising of owned and tidal titles. So I’m able to construct a home solution that has audiophile as well as non audiophile endpoints using the same solution.
I’d put that near zero. There are already straightforward ways to get a TV’s audio in PCM form to the DS DAC – most often via a Toslink cable direct from the TV, or you could get a HDMI audio extractor and take a coax or AES connection from there.
As Paul has described it, B3 exists to run Octave, and Octave exists to play music from your own library of files or from certain supported Internet streaming services. ARC has no relevance to those things.
No. The FPGA’s role in the DS DAC is a bit like your brain’s role in your body, the place where all the nerves are connected to. Putting another FPGA in the Bridge expansion slot would be a little like connecting an additional brain to your body but having its only connection to your original brain be via the touch-sensitive nerves in one of your fingers. It’s still gonna feel like a finger, not make you any smarter.
The direct wires from the Bridge slot to the existing FPGA are just I2S lines taking audio data one-way. There’s some additional interaction with the touchscreen system for things like artwork display, IR remote command relay, network-based volume adjustment etc.