USB has advantages of being a universal format with no practical transmission limits. It can certainly be done well, that has been the case for years, but some like dCS and Linn (and others?) still keep clear of it.
My theory is that PS Audio hit on I2S because Sony requires manufacturers of SACD transports to use a proprietary connection so that the DSD data stream cannot be ripped. It’s the DRM of SACD. So they had to come up with something. I have no idea whether PSA implemented I2S before SACD, but, and I quote: “The distinguishing feature of the I2S bus is that it separates clock and serial data signals—an approach said to result in lower jitter than in interface systems that embed the clock signals within the digital audio data stream”.
I would be disappointed if any manufacturer did not claim their way is the best way. My current manufacturer of choice says wireless is best and implemented their own wireless protocol, so a direct broadcast never touching your wireless network. I use USB because my server is optimised for USB.
The fact that Ted has made the Mk2 so good with USB (so everyone says) must be a good thing as it makes it compatible with so many digital sources.
Yes, my copy of the I2S spec is from 1986. It shows how to build I2S transmitters and receivers (in multiple ways) from individual TTL gates/chips (e.g. 74xx parts) PS Audio was using it long before SACDs.
That’s a lot to pay 7800for a hot rodded matrix. I’d spend my money on a Sean Jacobs LPS DC4 with three DC outputsrails and Matrix SPDIF 3 then have two DC channnels to run other streaming devices.
Were they using it internally or externally? My PWD DAC had I2S, don’t know if PSA were doing SACD transports back then. I seem to remember something saying you could plug in an Oppo SACD player or transport.
I2S was designed only for internal use and was very common in virtually all digital audio products.
PS Audio was using external I2S pretty early on.
To the best of my knowledge, I had to drag PS Audio kicking and screaming into DSD with the DS You couldn’t use an Oppo player for a SACD transport early on without some sort of hardware modification. Later the DMP was based on an Oppo transport.
@dawkinsj mentioned that I look into the iFi NeoStream, and you followed up with the above.
Well…my Node will be going. My hope was shattered that the NeoStream would sound about like the Node, in which case I would keep it and save the extra $700+.
Both are about the same size, one black, the other silver.
The latest Node is quite good, but the NeoStream is distinctively better: wider stage, more and better bass, more definition and detail, more instrument and voice separation, more stage depth, relaxed. Audirvana connects to NeoStream (supports UPnP). Tidal program connects directly as well unless using iPhone, then AirPlay. Qobuz program does not directly access NeoStream, but goes through AirPlay to NeoStream. My Roon trial ran out, but I understand it will connect directly to NeoStream with computer program.
It played DSD without conversions other than D to A (via a local PSA album with its DSD files and Audirvana; Qobuz and Tidal do not access local files other than those purchased from them, respectively).
The NeoStream is a keeper. Like the (tiny) screen…album artwork, song, resolution displayed. Outputs are diverse, including I2S.
Using the supplied fiberoptic ethernet gadget, L/R RCA out to McIntosh. The elderly hardware sounding great.
Thanks for sharing this, I hope iFi will release a beefed up(or barebone) version of neo stream with screen but minus the internal DAC in the future.
The streamers are evolving so rapidly these days it kind of reminds me of the early Olympus Sony etc digicam days. Plucking down big $$$ for a streamer would seem worth the money, but for how long is my concern.
Glad it worked out well for you with the Neo Stream. If you want to access Qoboz and the non Connect version of Tidal you can do so through the $5.99 version of MConnect Player which is a lot cheaper unless you just happen to like Audirvana. You might also want to look into and try the free trial of JPlay for IOS.
As you can completely bypass the internal DAC in the Neo Stream with all four types of digital outputs not likely they will introduce an upgraded Zen Stream any time soon. If they just took the DAC out of the Neo Stream probably wouldn’t reduce the price all that much anyway plus even if you are just using it as a streamer it does give you a backup DAC in case of an issue with your main DAC. Or if you just want a different flavor sometime.
Earlier the week I ordered a new Control4 remote to replace our existing remote. I’ve grown fond of the SR260, it’s lasted 8 years and survived a zillion configuration changes. I ordered the new Halo remote:
I don’t have any DSD files and I don’t use Roon so that wouldn’t be an issue with me with the Mk II but if you still want to try another external DAC after a while other than the one in the Neo Stream then you just have to know what your “real budget” is and what you find deficient in the Neo Stream’s DAC.
