Matrix X-SPDIF 2

Thank you for finding that.

Sorry everyone, if i ruffled feathers.

Go ahead and use the various inputs as convenience dictates. However, for best possible sound only the active input should be connected.

This is particularly important when comparing inputs as it eliminates the possibility of injecting noise separate from the input under test.

Of course, if you hear no difference do not concern yourself further. :slight_smile:

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Im really interested to hear what people think of the toslink output from the matrix.

Sounds like ted uses toslink(ted, correct me if im wrong) because it should show zero electrical connection effects that could plague usb/hdmi(i.e. grounding/shielding issues, coloration in sound due to materials, deterioration of signal due to cable length…etc).

Toslink is instead incorruptible pure data and my assumption is ted uses toslink for this lab-like quality. (Again, ted please correct me if im way off base)

Remember ted chose to use an optical cable in the new TSS.

Everyone testing this please follow teds advice and first test the toslink cable, as he said: “Run the 24/192 bit perfect test (in the Resources/How To section of this web site (probably on page 3)) to see if your TOSLink cable is reliable for 24/192.”

Looking forward to hearing peoples results.

I only run two connections to my DSD and i2S from matrix since my steamer has no optical out. The other is a Toslink from an HDMI converter hooked to a Apple TV. This provides 2 channel you Tube and 2 channel streams of TV and movies.

Will a plugged in Toslink have any effect on sound since it is only light? Are the D/A converters in the DSD still creating noise? Or should I shut down the converters light engine?

When listening Roon I do stream HDMI video to a Plasma TV through Mc MX150. Pulling the toslink cable at DSD or converter is option

For youTube streams and twp channel the DSD sure outperforms the HDMI stream. Multichannel movies it is better to use 7.1 sound than processor up conversion unless it is a music related movie or documentary and up conversion by processor of DSDs analog stream to multichannel wins in SQ.

The limited bandwidth of TOSLink doesn’t affect the audio that’s represented by the bits that go thru it. That’s the very definition of digital communication: if the connection is reliable the bits are always perfect.
Now it does happen that jitter often sounds like HF hash and a few seem to like a little jitter to add some “air” to the music.
Note: I’m not arguing with what you hear and report, but there is no correlation between the maximum data rate of TOSLink and the sound of the audio derived from the bits it carries.

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Your help is greatly appreciated, Ted!

Ted,

You said before to run the 24/192 bitperfect test.

Is there another optical test for 1bit/DSD64 for DoP or is the 24/192 bitperfect test sufficient for that?

I only ask because the matrixs manual says the toslink output can handle ‘24bit/192kHz sampling rate of PCM signal and 1bit/DSD64 for DoP’.

Almost always if 24/192 works, 24/176.4 is fine as well. DoP (64) is DSD (64) wrapped in 24/176.4 PCM, so it should be fine if 24/196 is fine.

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Thanks!! :slight_smile: :slight_smile:

Ted,

Some people are reporting the DSD Sr accepts 24/96 through toslink max.

Have you successfully pushed 24/192 to the DSD Sr over toslink? Was that a recent software update with the DSD Sr or is this purely cable dependent?

Ryan

I went through this with Walter on my purchase. I asked him via email and he personally called me back. He is an authorized dealer. He either buys some stock and has it on hand or, as in my case, he places the order to Wireworld and has them ship it. My cable came directly from Wireworld.

I don’t recommend things I haven’t tried. As I said above multiple times, most of my TOSLink cables handle 24/192 fine. I have some cheepo (“free”) TOSLink cables that barely do 24/96 well and two cables that do 24/176.4 but not 24/196.
It’s definitely dependent on the cable but most reasonable TOSLink cables work fine.
The spec page on the DS says 24/96 simply because that’s how the manufacturer of the TOSLink receiver specs it. Many people here get 24/192 fine. (Some don’t.)

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Thanks Ted!!

I apologize, if it sounded like i didn’t think it would work. Im waiting to receive my matrix, LPS and cables(hdmi and toslink) in the mail.

I mostly just really excited to try everything out :slight_smile:

Ted you are the horses mouth when it comes to the DSD Sr so i know dsd64 over dop will work and im looking forward to trying it out.

Everyone trying out toslink output from the matrix. A few words of caution…

I work in an industry that utilizes several different types of optical cables. There are some major aspects to be aware of when installing/handling your cables.

  1. All optical cables have a polished lens-like tip on either end. Toslink cables come with a cap to protect that lens-like tip. Always keep those caps on right up until you are about to install your cables. Also never touch the tip or allow the tip rub on anything…they are sensitive.

  2. All optical cables have a delicate and brittle(sometimes glass) fiber that runs through the center. These cables have VERY specific bend radius requirements. This means do not bend your optical cable on itself causing a kink, instead try to allow for smooth curves. Sharp kinks can damage the internal fiber and lead to light-loss.

  3. Have fun :slight_smile:

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Ted,

Sorry to keep bothering you about this…but other people are asking me at work…

Could you share the name of the Toslink cable that you use to push 24/192. We all just want to buy that exact cable so that then we will know it will work right out the gate with our matrix to DSD SR.

Thanks again for all your help.

Ryan

Most of my TOSLink cables are about 20 years old from AudioQuest - Probably any AudioQuest OptiLink cable is fine. I also have some that came with some equipment years ago. I think I have a Monster TOSLink cable from before that that works fine. There are lots of TOSLink cable recommendations here, I suspect there are some in this thread, but I’m not positive. You probably don’t need to spend more than $50 to $100

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Also remember that some here like TOSLink a lot and (most?) others prefer other connections (notably I2S) I know that TOSLink can sound great, but I’m not arguing that everyone will agree.

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Some people are looking for absolutes, and often they just don’t exist. Thanks to Ted for trying to satisfy this need. You have my sympathy and admiration.

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DSD64 over DoP using TOSlink is the holygrail imo…thats what im planning on using.