# MSB is working on a new I2S module (with PS Audio) **URL:** \ **Category:** Audio Components\ **Created:** [August 21, 2024, 10:04am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472 "2024-08-21T10:04:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![luca.pelliccioli](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/luca.pelliccioli/32/93681_2.png) [@luca.pelliccioli](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/luca.pelliccioli)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2024, 10:04am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/1 "2024-08-21T10:04:46Z")
Great news for all the PST and MSB owners. Here the announcement on the MSB Forum > **[New HDMI I2S Input module!](https://forum.msbtechnology.com/t/new-hdmi-i2s-input-module/183)** > > Taking a short break from designing the Sentinel DAC, we knocked out this design today. We need to order prototype PCB’s, test, and then improve the final design before ordering production. So far, everything has been going very smoothly with... Great partnership between two great brands, congrats! Good job Paul and PS Audio! Good job Daniel and MSB! ---
**Author:** ![dchang05](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/dchang05/32/294697_2.png) [@dchang05](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/dchang05)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2024, 2:39pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/2 "2024-08-21T14:39:13Z")
This looks interesting, but what type of output is it? Potentially I can connect PST to MU2’s DAC instead of go to MU2’s pre, but MU2 has ABS and S/PDFinputs I think. I also can use one less set of IC. But I am not sure there will be a SQ improvement doing that.🤔 ---
**Author:** ![luca.pelliccioli](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/luca.pelliccioli/32/93681_2.png) [@luca.pelliccioli](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/luca.pelliccioli)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2024, 4:01pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/3 "2024-08-21T16:01:52Z")
It’s an I2S Input module, that must be inserted into the DAC, so people like you can use the PST to play SACDs (and CDs of course) via the MSB DACs. Like the MK II HDMI input. Wait… I’ve sold the HDMI Dragon 48! I need to re-buy it from my importer, I hope at the same price… life is strange! ---
**Author:** ![dchang05](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/dchang05/32/294697_2.png) [@dchang05](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/dchang05)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2024, 4:08pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/4 "2024-08-21T16:08:53Z")
That’s too bad and it’s for MSB only. Wait! That’s a good news for me! ---
**Author:** ![luca.pelliccioli](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/luca.pelliccioli/32/93681_2.png) [@luca.pelliccioli](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/luca.pelliccioli)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2024, 4:19pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/5 "2024-08-21T16:19:26Z")
Technology runs too fast! I think that DAC and streamer manufacturers should provide their products with “modular inputs/outputs”, in order to be future proof. ---
**Author:** ![danofesherintheuk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3d9bf3/32.png) [@danofesherintheuk](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/danofesherintheuk)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 8:22am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/6 "2024-08-22T08:22:19Z")
I don’t see how this will work with the PST and SACD. ---
**Author:** ![carbonF1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/carbonf1/32/258233_2.png) [@carbonF1](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/carbonF1)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 1:09pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/7 "2024-08-22T13:09:01Z")
How so? ---
**Author:** ![luca.pelliccioli](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/luca.pelliccioli/32/93681_2.png) [@luca.pelliccioli](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/luca.pelliccioli)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 4:08pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/8 "2024-08-22T16:08:20Z")
What’s your doubt exactly? ---
**Author:** ![danofesherintheuk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3d9bf3/32.png) [@danofesherintheuk](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/danofesherintheuk)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 5:55pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/9 "2024-08-22T17:55:46Z")
My understanding is that PS Audio have some sort of licence agreement with Sony that allows PS Audio dacs to decode SACD datastreams in their dacs (and only their dacs), hence the PST needs to satisfy itself that it’s a PSA dac on the other end. It’s not therefore in PSA’s gift to allow the data to be sent to non PSA dacs. How can MSB get over that? ---
**Author:** ![luca.pelliccioli](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/luca.pelliccioli/32/93681_2.png) [@luca.pelliccioli](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/luca.pelliccioli)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 6:41pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/10 "2024-08-22T18:41:00Z")
Good observation! I guess MSB guys already know how to manage these things, having produced for years their own transports, that were able to play SACDs via proprietary ProISL connection. ---
**Author:** ![carbonF1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/carbonf1/32/258233_2.png) [@carbonF1](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/carbonF1)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 8:07pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/11 "2024-08-22T20:07:07Z")
The PST is capable of sending the DSD layer of a SACD to non PS Audio DACs, the Holo Audio May is one that comes to mind, VMV D3, I think the new LaIV DAC are others. Confirmed by PS Audio here: > [@PS Audio CD Transport clarification](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-cd-transport-clarification/24636/18): > > The DMP required a digital handshake with a PS Audio DAC through its I2S inputs. The PST does not require that same handshake and thus will work through any compatible I2S input DAC. Not all DACs properly handle our I2S interface, but for those that do it should work fine. > [@PS Audio CD Transport clarification](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-cd-transport-clarification/24636/27): > > Because I2S separates the clocks and data it is (on one hand) easy to copy and (on the other hand) hard to copy because no one makes an easily available off the shelf copying solution. So, imagine the scenario where we provide standard S/PDIF output (or HDMI unencoded) of the DSD layer. There are dozens of easily obtainable recording solutions one need only purchase and plug in. There’s nothing we’re aware of that can do this with I2S. That said, could an engineer figure out a way to build a … MSB have done just that with the new module - FPGA to capture the incoming data. I’m excited by this announcement. MSB are on my radar when the time comes to make another upgrade! ---
**Author:** ![luca.pelliccioli](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/luca.pelliccioli/32/93681_2.png) [@luca.pelliccioli](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/luca.pelliccioli)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2024, 2:01am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/12 "2024-08-23T02:01:40Z")
This is what Daniel Gullman said on MSB forum: We use an encrypted handshake with the PS Audio so the digital signal is not made vulnerable for data ripping. The transport is not allowed to send out the signal without this, otherwise people could easily copy SACD data. In a way, our DAC is now piggybacking off the PS Audio which has the SACD license setup. On some level, our DAC can be configured to playback anything you send it’s way. With the proprietary link, this becomes a closed system. ---
**Author:** ![weedeewop](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/weedeewop/32/190064_2.png) [@weedeewop](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/weedeewop)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2024, 4:27am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/13 "2024-08-23T04:27:31Z")
Slam Dunk! ---
**Author:** ![danofesherintheuk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3d9bf3/32.png) [@danofesherintheuk](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/danofesherintheuk)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2024, 8:23am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/14 "2024-08-24T08:23:57Z")
This is still confusing - one says no handshake necessary, the other says they’ve implemented one. Oh well, I don’t have MSB dacs so can’t use their input modules (unless they want to turn them into protocol converters), ---
**Author:** ![luca.pelliccioli](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/luca.pelliccioli/32/93681_2.png) [@luca.pelliccioli](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/luca.pelliccioli)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2024, 9:07am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/15 "2024-08-24T09:07:44Z")
Let them finish their work, then the technical details will be clearer (if of any interest). What MSB DAC owners are appreciating is the idea of ​​having (or buying) soon a highly performing transport that can use the I2S connection, which should imply better sound quality and the option to finally play SACDs. For many of them a plus, for others a long-awaited upgrade. In any case a good news. ---
**Author:** ![john2213](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/john2213/32/94338_2.png) [@john2213](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/john2213)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2024, 1:11pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/16 "2024-08-24T13:11:23Z")
MSB dacs, being modular offer options, I myself have no need for I2S, but for those with a compatible source it would provide another path to sonic bliss I feel the pro ISL in the best interface I have experienced. I download my hi-rez and the few SACDs I own I use the dac onboard my Esoteric Options, nice to have… Best, -JP ---
**Author:** ![luca.pelliccioli](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/luca.pelliccioli/32/93681_2.png) [@luca.pelliccioli](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/luca.pelliccioli)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2024, 7:06am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/17 "2024-12-12T07:06:00Z")
Bingo! > **[Universal Pro I2S](https://msbtechnology.com/dacs/digital-inputs/universal-pro-i2s/)** > > \[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_single\_image image=”15557″ img\_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_column\_text css=””\] Universal I2S Input This is the best interface to transfer both DSD and PCM \[…\] Congrats to PS Audio and MSB staff! ---
**Author:** ![scotte1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/scotte1/32/147_2.png) [@scotte1](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/scotte1)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2024, 1:00pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/18 "2024-12-12T13:00:28Z")
Pretty impressive and a testament to the Hi-End bonafides of PSA’s DACS, IMO… ---
**Author:** ![luca.pelliccioli](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/luca.pelliccioli/32/93681_2.png) [@luca.pelliccioli](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/luca.pelliccioli)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2024, 10:46pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/19 "2024-12-14T22:46:20Z")
Just ordered it! Now I need a HDMI cable again but I’d like to try a Pink Faun I2S before the well known (I had two of them in the past) Dragon 48. Time will tell. ---
**Author:** ![scotte1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/scotte1/32/147_2.png) [@scotte1](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/scotte1)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2024, 11:26pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472/21 "2024-12-14T23:26:46Z")
> [@luca.pelliccioli](#): > > but I’d like to try a Pink Faun I2S before the well I recommend you don’t bother. In my experience, the RAL I2S bested the Pink Faun. I have never had the pleasure of comparing a Dragon to either but, as you know, the cognoscenti here believes Dragon \> RAL. FWIW. [Next page](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/msb-is-working-on-a-new-i2s-module-with-ps-audio/38472.md?page=2)