Advices about Digital Input

[bartgign]

Hello !

I have curently this set up :

Intel NUC (with Daphile) -> Gustard X16 -> Gustard P26 -> DCX 2496 and three power Amp (one Yamaha P7000S, and two Yamaha P2500S -> DIY Speakers.
I think it may be a best solution to use AES input on the DCX 2496.

Which digital board, with an AES out, could be a good solution between the NUC and the DCX ?

Thanks a lot for your advices !

Cédric

 

[TimW]

Hello !

I have curently this set up :

Intel NUC (with Daphile) -> Gustard X16 -> Gustard P26 -> DCX 2496 and three power Amp (one Yamaha P7000S, and two Yamaha P2500S -> DIY Speakers.
I think it may be a best solution to use AES input on the DCX 2496.

Which digital board, with an AES out, could be a good solution between the NUC and the DCX ?

Thanks a lot for your advices !

Cédric

I use a Behringer SRC 2496 to convert from SPDIF to AES. I also have a miniDSP OpenDRC-DI that can do that along with DSP filters and volume control. That's not really what you're looking for though.

For simple USB to AES converters here are a few options:
Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2 which isn't cheap but looks well made and designed.
Gustard U16 which matches your X16.
Here's a few more options from Audiophonics.
There's also more pro oriented options from the likes of Yellowtech and others.

 

[bartgign]

Thanks for your answer. I think a miniDSP OpenDRC-DI could be a good option, i may try it to compare with my actually analog input set up. I need a control volume, its easier for me, with a remote.

May be Mini DSP OPEN DRC-DI will be my choice !

 

[TimW]

Thanks for your answer. I think a miniDSP OpenDRC-DI could be a good option, i may try it to compare with my actually analog input set up. I need a control volume, its easier for me, with a remote.

May be Mini DSP OPEN DRC-DI will be my choice !

Keep in mind that the USB connection is only for changing DSP settings, you will need a SPDIF source for audio.

 

[bartgign]

I cannot use the USB to link my NUC in the Mini DSP ?

 

[TimW]

I cannot use the USB to link my NUC in the Mini DSP ?

Not for audio, only for DSP settings. The miniDSP SHD Studio can accept audio over USB but it is a much more expensive unit with other features you probably don't need.

 

[bartgign]

Thanks. Very good unit this Mini dsp. But very expensive to do this.

I Just need an USB audio In, an AES out, with maximum transparency and a volume contrôle.

Or May be a control volume with the NUC but Daphile cannot. May be another player ? Dont know.

 

[AnalogSteph]

According to installation instructions,

If you are using an audio device that is connected to speakers without an external amplifier you must turn on the “Settings → Audio Devices → [audio device] → Volume control” setting. With default value “Off – Bitperfect playback” you might even destroy your speakers if there isn't any volume control.

I think this might expand your choices just a bit... someone writes it'll work with a DCX.

BTW, something else I might consider...

 

[bartgign]

Difficult to find, any another idea, i don't want a DCX modification, and with this SPDIF / AES some coments are bad.

 

[mdsimon2]

Difficult to find, any another idea, i don't want a DCX modification, and with this SPDIF / AES some coments are bad.

How do you feel about a DIY solution? An XMOS interface with I2S output and an I2S to AES board would get you what you need. Something like this:

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/diy-...l-interface-usb-384khz-to-i2s-dsd-p-7403.html
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/diy-...u-xlr-110-ohm-for-amanero-wm8805-p-11488.html

Michael

 

[bartgign]

I also need a volume control ?

 

[mdsimon2]

I also need a volume control ?

Sorry I missed that you cannot do volume control in the NUC. You could also do a miniDSP 2X4HD and use the I2S outputs in to an I2S to AES board. That would give you volume control in the miniDSP. I am not sure if there are any other cheaper USB to I2S interfaces with volume control.

Michael