Connecting SMLS CD Transport & SMSL DAC (I2S/HDMI)

[HC4L]

I’m looking to connect my CD transport to my DAC using the I2S ports instead of coaxial and want to make sure I’m doing this correctly.

I have the following gear:

• SMSL PL200T CD Transport
• SMSL D400 Pro DAC

Both units have I2S and the manuals show a specific I2S pinout (see photo attached from each Manual). I understand that I2S is not a standardized connector.

My questions are:

1. Since SMSL publishes a specific pinout, do I need a custom HDMI/I2S cable wired to that exact pin configuration, or is there a commercially available I2S cable that already matches SMSL’s pinout?
   
   
2. Can I safely use a regular HDMI cable, or does the internal wiring/pairing of HDMI cables matter for I2S?
   
   
3. In the CD transport manual, the Normal pinout matches the Reversed pinout shown in the DAC manual. Why aren’t the diagrams presented so that Normal-to-Normal and Reversed-to-Reversed have matching pinout configurations between the two devices?

I’m trying to avoid trial-and-error or risking incompatibility, so I’d appreciate guidance from anyone who has used I2S between SMSL components or has experience with I2S pinout matching.

Thank you!

 

[staticV3]

Since SMSL publishes a specific pinout, do I need a custom HDMI/I2S cable wired to that exact pin configuration, or is there a commercially available I2S cable that already matches SMSL’s pinout?

You don't need a special HDMI cable.

The only thing that matters is that both TX and RX agree on which signal is carried over which pin. The cable itself is generic.

In the CD transport manual, the Normal pinout matches the Reversed pinout shown in the DAC manual. Why aren’t the diagrams presented so that Normal-to-Normal and Reversed-to-Reversed have matching pinout configurations between the two devices?

SMSL shenanigans

 

[EJasonC]

I have those exact units connected via I2S with a very short standard (4k/8k) HDMI cable obtained from B&H, both units at default settings; the system performs flawlessly. As I've indicated in my other posts, it's the Holy Grail of Redbook CD playback for me.