So I have this DAC called Aqua la Voce S2.
Like PS Audio, Sonore, GD Audio, Empirical and others, Aqua have included an I2S Interface.
Of course just about everyone implements I2S differently*, with the PS Audio I2S-over-HDMI approach perhaps being closest to a standard.
My DAC's I2S input is via RJ45 (also used by Empirical and others, but with different pin configurations - of course).
This is the Aqua Pin Configuration:
Currently this RJ45 input can be fed by only two products that I know of:
- The Aqua CD Transport (La Diva)
- Pink Faun can supply a PCIe card with an HDMI-to-RJ45 cable specifically wired for Aqua products
I'm really interested in testing the capabilities of this input so am considering two possibilities (the two above are not suitable):
1. Direct USB-to-I2S Adapter
Probably the simpler approach. I would need something like this:
(http://jlsounds.com/i2soverusb.html)
SPECS: (http://jlsounds.com/uploads/Specifications.pdf)
or
(https://amanero.com)
2. Networked I2S Roon Endpoint
Here I would use an RPi or Odroid with separate module/HAT that would provide I2S output points.
The Allo Boss DAC, for example, seems to include I2S connections on the board so an RPi/Boss could form the basis for this approach.
I'm not familiar with Odroid at all though, there must be other options here I'm sure.
Obviously regardless of which approach I take I'll also need to add a case, transformer, cabling, socketry, etc., for example:
RJ45 Plug:
(https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/diy-interfaces/digital-interface-selector-i2s-x2-to-rj45-p-11570.html)
OR
(https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/diy-interfaces/unbalanced-i2s-to-balanced-rj45-ouput-module-board-p-11387.html)
Internal I2S Cabling:
M/F(https://www.audiophonics.fr/fr/connecteurs-circuit-imprime/cavaliers-i2s-flexible-plaque-argent-male-femelle-254mm-15cm-awg-22-set-x5-p-11888.html)
F/F(https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/connectors-for-pcb/i2s-connectors-female-female-silver-plated-254mm-15cm-awg-22-set-x5-p-11717.html)
I2SoverUSB even sell specialised PS boards for their solution:
(http://jlsounds.com/power.html)
Etc. Etc.
So, what do you guys think? I'm aware I might be chasing a very small performance difference here, but you never know unless you try.
1. Which of the two approaches is best? I would prefer an I2S Roon Endpoint (for maximum separation from my Mac), but if it's too complex, then the USB/I2S will also work.
2. Is there someone in Joburg with the required Knowledge/Background/Engineering degree/etc. to help me build this thing? For a fee obviously.
Thanks for reading.
Yes I am a little crazy.
Mods please move this to the DIY section if you feel it's more appropriate.
I just thought that the digital guru's are more likely to hang out here.
* I2S Config Database:
(https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1h5PMUBkldkpt1rCnAR4ZHYGZNeCe-vwIFyKWYMZWsX0/edit#gid=0)
Like PS Audio, Sonore, GD Audio, Empirical and others, Aqua have included an I2S Interface.
Of course just about everyone implements I2S differently*, with the PS Audio I2S-over-HDMI approach perhaps being closest to a standard.
My DAC's I2S input is via RJ45 (also used by Empirical and others, but with different pin configurations - of course).
This is the Aqua Pin Configuration:
Currently this RJ45 input can be fed by only two products that I know of:
- The Aqua CD Transport (La Diva)
- Pink Faun can supply a PCIe card with an HDMI-to-RJ45 cable specifically wired for Aqua products
I'm really interested in testing the capabilities of this input so am considering two possibilities (the two above are not suitable):
1. Direct USB-to-I2S Adapter
Probably the simpler approach. I would need something like this:
(http://jlsounds.com/i2soverusb.html)
SPECS: (http://jlsounds.com/uploads/Specifications.pdf)
or
(https://amanero.com)
2. Networked I2S Roon Endpoint
Here I would use an RPi or Odroid with separate module/HAT that would provide I2S output points.
The Allo Boss DAC, for example, seems to include I2S connections on the board so an RPi/Boss could form the basis for this approach.
I'm not familiar with Odroid at all though, there must be other options here I'm sure.
Obviously regardless of which approach I take I'll also need to add a case, transformer, cabling, socketry, etc., for example:
RJ45 Plug:
(https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/diy-interfaces/digital-interface-selector-i2s-x2-to-rj45-p-11570.html)
OR
(https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/diy-interfaces/unbalanced-i2s-to-balanced-rj45-ouput-module-board-p-11387.html)
Internal I2S Cabling:
M/F(https://www.audiophonics.fr/fr/connecteurs-circuit-imprime/cavaliers-i2s-flexible-plaque-argent-male-femelle-254mm-15cm-awg-22-set-x5-p-11888.html)
F/F(https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/connectors-for-pcb/i2s-connectors-female-female-silver-plated-254mm-15cm-awg-22-set-x5-p-11717.html)
I2SoverUSB even sell specialised PS boards for their solution:
(http://jlsounds.com/power.html)
Etc. Etc.
So, what do you guys think? I'm aware I might be chasing a very small performance difference here, but you never know unless you try.
1. Which of the two approaches is best? I would prefer an I2S Roon Endpoint (for maximum separation from my Mac), but if it's too complex, then the USB/I2S will also work.
2. Is there someone in Joburg with the required Knowledge/Background/Engineering degree/etc. to help me build this thing? For a fee obviously.
Thanks for reading.
Yes I am a little crazy.
Mods please move this to the DIY section if you feel it's more appropriate.
I just thought that the digital guru's are more likely to hang out here.
* I2S Config Database:
(https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1h5PMUBkldkpt1rCnAR4ZHYGZNeCe-vwIFyKWYMZWsX0/edit#gid=0)
