SACD - Imported HDMI DAC RH-899X PCM or DIY DSD Board solution

[hal9999]

Hello All

I am a new-comer to this forum, though i have been reading your posts and reviews for many years. I should probably thank you all for your fantastic discussions which i have found informative.

This has been discussed time and again, but i am still quite confused. So here goes nothing! I want to play SACD through my HiFi stack, and am investigating two possibilities:

DIY solution
I have a Sony Blu-Ray Player which i want to hook up to my HiFi for SACD playback. It outputs via HDMI. It has the usual SPDIF outs but i know (thanks to you folks) that this wont work for SACDs, as it would downsample to CD quality. I have gone down the rabbit hole on this, and looked at HDMI extractors, and then connecting the NON-standard I2S pin-outs to a ES9039Q2M DAC board (imported from China). It seems Theoretically possible, but I am a novice so, i am always reluctant to jump in for a 'DIY project' - especially where i could damage my equipment. As i havent found anyone who has done this, i am quite reluctant, even though on paper it should work. The plan would be an Extractor (HDMI I2S COAX) - wired directly to a ES9039Q2M DAC board - which would TECHNICALLY be capable of DSD native decoding. Technically better on paper, but i am VERY unsure, as i have found NO ONE who has done this!
The BDP is set to DSD - it handshakes with the HDMI Extractor - Then i use the independant pins on the Extractors I2S Output headers to connect to the DAC board, which has I2S input.
(screen grabs of the boards below)

• has anyone attempted this
• Is it a non starter (im waiting for the other shoe to fall on this one, as it seems too straight forward)

Actual HDMI IN PCM DAC
While researching DIY solutions, I came across the product screen grabbed below on a chinese site - unusually for this area, it has what appear to be 2 HDMI Inputs. The ARC output is a non issue - i have no interest in BluRay or Video playback. This is purely for my Hifi. Many of its features are also surplus to requirements for me, as i have another DAC which i use
(All inputs on my existing DAC are in use, its a ZD3, and i love it - not interested in using it for todays purposes)

So my questions would be as follows

• Will this box handshake with my Sony BDP thereby not tripping the SACD 'DRM' Trap
• If i set the BDP to PCM output, will it transport PCM to the unit below
• Is this unit's ESS Sabre ES9023P DAC sufficient for the task
• I am ONLY interested in 2CH - my amateur assumption here is that settings in the BDP for 2CH, and on the unit, will prioritize 2CH SACD, and or DOWNMIX 6CH to Stereo
• Is this unit a significant bottleneck for my system

To keep things really simple:
I am aware of SACD extraction - I have played DSD files over on my ZD3 - Totally get that this is easier, and i avail of this right now. The purposes of this FINAL upgrade to my stack is straightforward. The ability to play SACDs in my player through my HIFI.

Im sorry if this has been covered. Its been discussed so many times, and i have seen various degrees of success. I havent really encountered anyone with the DIY solution, although i found discussions on the topic! As for the Chinese Import DAC below, it does seem viable as a straightforward ALL-IN-ONE box, albeit for HiRES PCM as opposed to NATIVE DSD

Thanks so much folks - Hope to hear back from you! (PS - if this post is in the wrong section, please feel free to move it)

 

[Roland68]

Hello All

I am a new-comer to this forum, though i have been reading your posts and reviews for many years. I should probably thank you all for your fantastic discussions which i have found informative.

This has been discussed time and again, but i am still quite confused. So here goes nothing! I want to play SACD through my HiFi stack, and am investigating two possibilities:

DIY solution
I have a Sony Blu-Ray Player which i want to hook up to my HiFi for SACD playback. It outputs via HDMI. It has the usual SPDIF outs but i know (thanks to you folks) that this wont work for SACDs, as it would downsample to CD quality. I have gone down the rabbit hole on this, and looked at HDMI extractors, and then connecting the NON-standard I2S pin-outs to a ES9039Q2M DAC board (imported from China). It seems Theoretically possible, but I am a novice so, i am always reluctant to jump in for a 'DIY project' - especially where i could damage my equipment. As i havent found anyone who has done this, i am quite reluctant, even though on paper it should work. The plan would be an Extractor (HDMI I2S COAX) - wired directly to a ES9039Q2M DAC board - which would TECHNICALLY be capable of DSD native decoding. Technically better on paper, but i am VERY unsure, as i have found NO ONE who has done this!
The BDP is set to DSD - it handshakes with the HDMI Extractor - Then i use the independant pins on the Extractors I2S Output headers to connect to the DAC board, which has I2S input.
(screen grabs of the boards below)

• has anyone attempted this
• Is it a non starter (im waiting for the other shoe to fall on this one, as it seems too straight forward)

Actual HDMI IN PCM DAC
While researching DIY solutions, I came across the product screen grabbed below on a chinese site - unusually for this area, it has what appear to be 2 HDMI Inputs. The ARC output is a non issue - i have no interest in BluRay or Video playback. This is purely for my Hifi. Many of its features are also surplus to requirements for me, as i have another DAC which i use
(All inputs on my existing DAC are in use, its a ZD3, and i love it - not interested in using it for todays purposes)

So my questions would be as follows

• Will this box handshake with my Sony BDP thereby not tripping the SACD 'DRM' Trap
• If i set the BDP to PCM output, will it transport PCM to the unit below
• Is this unit's ESS Sabre ES9023P DAC sufficient for the task
• I am ONLY interested in 2CH - my amateur assumption here is that settings in the BDP for 2CH, and on the unit, will prioritize 2CH SACD, and or DOWNMIX 6CH to Stereo
• Is this unit a significant bottleneck for my system

To keep things really simple:
I am aware of SACD extraction - I have played DSD files over on my ZD3 - Totally get that this is easier, and i avail of this right now. The purposes of this FINAL upgrade to my stack is straightforward. The ability to play SACDs in my player through my HIFI.

Im sorry if this has been covered. Its been discussed so many times, and i have seen various degrees of success. I havent really encountered anyone with the DIY solution, although i found discussions on the topic! As for the Chinese Import DAC below, it does seem viable as a straightforward ALL-IN-ONE box, albeit for HiRES PCM as opposed to NATIVE DSD

Thanks so much folks - Hope to hear back from you! (PS - if this post is in the wrong section, please feel free to move it)



View attachment 552523
View attachment 552528View attachment 552529

Why do you want to output the signal via I2S?
An SACD outputs a maximum of DSD64, and your extractor board outputs that signal via the coaxial connection.

These basic ES9039Q2M boards are inferior to any well-measuring DAC costing €80.
I2S will also underperform compared to the coaxial output because the I2S signal is prone to jitter. Modern, well-measuring DACs—even those costing €80—feature excellent jitter correction.
With I2S, the signal is passed directly to the DAC chip without jitter reduction.

So, all you need is an affordable, well-measuring DAC capable of processing DSD64 via its coaxial input.
Anything else won't yield better results; it will likely be more expensive, perform worse, or perhaps both.

 

[hal9999]

Why do you want to output the signal via I2S?
An SACD outputs a maximum of DSD64, and your extractor board outputs that signal via the coaxial connection.

These basic ES9039Q2M boards are inferior to any well-measuring DAC costing €80.
I2S will also underperform compared to the coaxial output because the I2S signal is prone to jitter. Modern, well-measuring DACs—even those costing €80—feature excellent jitter correction.
With I2S, the signal is passed directly to the DAC chip without jitter reduction.

So, all you need is an affordable, well-measuring DAC capable of processing DSD64 via its coaxial input.
Anything else won't yield better results; it will likely be more expensive, perform worse, or perhaps both.

really appreciate the reply Roland

Why do you want to output the signal via I2S?
Because this extractor is not DOP - that is, not DSD over PCM. I cannot find a DOP for a reasonable price? By reasonable i mean less than a few hundred euro. What i have found, when searching is a highly popular HDMI-I2S-Coax Extractor. This seems to be available for under 100, and in fact the extractor board that i included above, is the same one.

As to why i am connecting via I2s - because the extractor (according to my research) will output native DSD over I2s. Which is where the DAC board comes in. By wiring it as follows
BCLK (Bit Clock) ──► DSD_CLK (the DSD Clock)
SDATA / DATA ──► DSD_R (DSD Right Data / DSD1)
LRLK / LRCK ──► DSD_L (DSD Left Data / DSD2)
and obviously Ground to Ground

Again, i am only at the point of researching this - But as far as i can see the DAC board has 3 jumpers - I2S, Optical and Coax - i set to I2S - and this will force the Dac board to receive the DSD signal, extracted and outputted via I2S - and decode the DSD natively (Dac Chip supports up to DSD512) -

I2S will also underperform compared to the coaxial output because the I2S signal is prone to jitter
Again, this is entirely at the dev stage- but my assumption is that the DAC CHip can correct for Jitter - but again, i dont truly know.

Truly i could be way off here - i appreciate the response, genuinely

 

[linuxfan]

@hal9999 my head hurts trying to work out answers to the many questions you have asked! So I will answer the one question which I consider will point you in the right direction:

If i set the BDP to PCM output, will it transport PCM to the unit below

Yes, if you configure the menu in your Blu-ray player to output PCM in preference to DSD, then it will transcode the SACD layer's DSD signal to PCM, and output it via HDMI ... but I make these points:
1) you have no control over the PCM sample rate - this is vendor-set, usually 96kHz.
2a) what's being output via HDMI is now PCM format, which has no DRM restrictions, and since there is no involvement of the DSD format you don't need that specialised HDMI de-embedder board, instead requiring only a standard HDMI extractor, such as this -
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/164374099879
2b) or forget about an HDMI extractor, and instead buy a DAC which accepts HDMI input - such as the SMSL PS100 (US$36) or the SMSL DO100 Pro (US$220).

But step back and look at the big picture - you are going to great lengths to transcode DSD to PCM, which inevitably involves a hit to sound quality - so why bother playing SACD in the first place? If your SACD discs are hybrid, just play them in a standard CD player to access the CD layer of the disc ... or re-acquire those SACD titles as standard CD's.

Now let's re-visit the DSD option - it's not expensive:
First check that your model of Blu-ray player actually supports DSD-over-HDMI (most Sony models do). There's an unofficial list of compatible players here -
https://www.avsforum.com/threads/dsd-over-hdmi-players.1155206/
Now buy that particular type of HDMI de-embedder device - you don't need the DIY version, there's a fully cased version available -
https://www.ebay.com/itm/353354399159
Finally you need a DSD-compatible DAC. You will notice that the HDMI de-embedder offers I2S output (via HDMI connector) and there are DACs which will accept I2S/HDMI - but there are only a handful of models available, and are mostly expensive.
However the HDMI de-embedder also offers S/PDIF output, and I have recently learned that this will output DoP (DSD-over-PCM) so you can use a cheaper DAC which accepts DoP via S/PDIF, such as the SMSL PS200 PRO (US$90).

 

[hal9999]

@hal9999 my head hurts trying to work out answers to the many questions you have asked! So I will answer the one question which I consider will point you in the right direction:

Yes, if you configure the menu in your Blu-ray player to output PCM in preference to DSD, then it will transcode the SACD layer's DSD signal to PCM, and output it via HDMI ... but I make these points:
1) you have no control over the PCM sample rate - this is vendor-set, usually 96kHz.
2a) what's being output via HDMI is now PCM format, which has no DRM restrictions, and since there is no involvement of the DSD format you don't need that specialised HDMI de-embedder board, instead requiring only a standard HDMI extractor, such as this -
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/164374099879
2b) or forget about an HDMI extractor, and instead buy a DAC which accepts HDMI input - such as the SMSL PS100 (US$36) or the SMSL DO100 Pro (US$220).

But step back and look at the big picture - you are going to great lengths to transcode DSD to PCM, which inevitably involves a hit to sound quality - so why bother playing SACD in the first place? If your SACD discs are hybrid, just play them in a standard CD player to access the CD layer of the disc ... or re-acquire those SACD titles as standard CD's.

Now let's re-visit the DSD option - it's not expensive:
First check that your model of Blu-ray player actually supports DSD-over-HDMI (most Sony models do). There's an unofficial list of compatible players here -
https://www.avsforum.com/threads/dsd-over-hdmi-players.1155206/
Now buy that particular type of HDMI de-embedder device - you don't need the DIY version, there's a fully cased version available -
https://www.ebay.com/itm/353354399159
Finally you need a DSD-compatible DAC. You will notice that the HDMI de-embedder offers I2S output (via HDMI connector) and there are DACs which will accept I2S/HDMI - but there are only a handful of models available, and are mostly expensive.
However the HDMI de-embedder also offers S/PDIF output, and I have recently learned that this will output DoP (DSD-over-PCM) so you can use a cheaper DAC which accepts DoP via S/PDIF, such as the SMSL PS200 PRO (US$90).

Again really appreciate the responses - I will say that I find it hard to find proper reliable information on this topic - I am going to ask some questions, because several things you have stated run counter to what i have heard elsewhere

'what's being output via HDMI is now PCM format, which has no DRM restrictions, and since there is no involvement of the DSD format you don't need that specialised HDMI de-embedder board, instead requiring only a standard HDMI extractor'

This runs counter to what i have been told elsewhere: Specifically, i have read that a standard HDMI Extractor will not handshake properly with the SONY BDP - and will cause it to downsample the SACD to roughly CD Quality (16bit 44k) as opposed to 24 bit higher quality PCM. Most places i have looked have recommended that the HDMI I2S Extractor is the only one verified to not trigger downsampling in the player.

forget about an HDMI extractor, and instead buy a DAC which accepts HDMI input - such as the SMSL PS100 (US$36) or the SMSL DO100 Pro (US$220).

This would be music to my ears - if you folks could confirm this, i will stop what i am doing at once! But specifically, i have been told that the PS100 is HDMI-ARC - which will not work in the way you have suggested. This specific issue, has ruled out more conventional options such as a SU1 or PS100 etc. Love to hear more on this, cause honestly i will buy a PS100 tonight - I have been told that

• Arc is different - HDMI Out from BDP requires HDMI Non-ARC IN on a Dac -
• If somehow it did work, it would downsample anyway as discussed above

Aside from the other things, you mentioned the DOP - i have been receiving mixed messages everywhere on this. Such that, some extractors like the one in audiophonics

Audio extractor HDMI / MHL to I2S / Coaxial / Optical 4K 60Hz - Audiophonics

www.audiophonics.fr

Specifically, the warning has been that unless it explicitely mentions 'DoP' in the product description, it cannot be counted on. Which has kind of left me baffled when it comes to HDMI extractors (same when referencing your first point)

Simply put, there is a lot of gatekeeping around SACD playback in the places i have looked. Between advice 'not to bother' because ones hifi isnt any good, or just accept the downsampling etc - Its difficult to fully grasp what individuals are to do.

Love to hear back. Im sure you folks are seasoned at this stuff - your knowledge is invaluable to me, and i thank you

 

[hal9999]

I should add that there seems to be 2 HDMI extractors being marketed for this - One is DOP while the other, is not - again, im finding it rather confusing - i appreciate all your advice

 

[krabapple]

I don't quite understand. What does your 'HiFi stack' consist of? Does it NOT have any HDMI inputs?

 

[raindance]

To the OP - why don't you reach out to Bob at [email protected] to find out of one of his HDMI DACs would work for your situation?

 

[hal9999]

I don't quite understand. What does your 'HiFi stack' consist of? Does it NOT have any HDMI inputs?

I have HDMI arc, and have been repeatidly told this is NOT compatible with what i am looking to do - That is Get my SONY BDP (SACD playback) as transport to the DAC - Thats been fairly constant everywhere i have looked

To the OP - why don't you reach out to Bob at [email protected] to find out of one of his HDMI DACs would work for your situation?

I have no doubt it would work, i know of them. Again, i am on a budget. If budget were not a concern i would just buy a dedicated DSD Amp or DAC

The confusion i have can be sumarized in a few bullet points

• HDMI ARC, IS, or IS NOT, compatible with a BluRay Player for SACD Playback? - from my research i have concluded it is NOT compatible at all. Rulling out the direct route for SU-1s or PS100s, or my ZD3
• HDMI Extractors - thousands available, with some claims that if the player is set to output PCM - it doesnt matter what extractor you use. This is explicitely not the case, based on my own research.
• HDMI Extractors [Part 2] - Extractors like those sold by audiophonics do not specify DOP. Indeed i have seen these extractors explicitely labled NON DOP on several sites - see screenshot below. For my part when i have checked in europe, i cannot find the DOP version of this extractor anywhere. The two different variants are superficially VERY similar, and i am sceptical about buying from a seller who seems to 'muddy the water' and talk about DOP, DSD, And PCM in relaton to the same product
• I2S on DIY Boards - this was my first entry into this topic, because as someone who is familiar with electronics, i thought - 'il make my own' - but im getting hugely mixed messaging about poor implimentations of decent dac chips!
• Chinese DACs with HDMI INPUTS (NON ARC) - are they worth investing in, or are they a dead end

Just in case it is lost in the chat - my goal is to play my SACDs via my amp at a decent standard - at least, PCM 24bit. I am uninterested in having the discs down sampled to CD Quality - and i am currently not seeking a solution of Ripping SACD for FILE PLAYBACK

 

[krabapple]

I have HDMI arc, and have been repeatidly told this is NOT compatible with what i am looking to do - That is Get my SONY BDP (SACD playback) as transport to the DAC - Thats been fairly constant everywhere i have looked

My question was: what is downstream of your Sony BDP? Why do you need a downstream DAC at all?

 

[hal9999]

My question was: what is downstream of your Sony BDP? Why do you need a downstream DAC at all?

The Sony Player in question has HDMI out and coax digital - the coax digital wont function at all when playing SACD due to DRM restrictions.
There is NO RCA analogue output on this player

Simply put, I need the dac, so i can output to my amp!

 

[Roland68]

I should add that there seems to be 2 HDMI extractors being marketed for this - One is DOP while the other, is not - again, im finding it rather confusing - i appreciate all your advice

If you want to work with I2S, be aware of the difference between 4/5-pin I2S connectors—which only allow for a cable run of a few centimeters (10–15 cm max.)—and the repurposed HDMI connector, which uses I2S over LVDS (supporting up to approx. 2 m). They are not compatible with each other, but there are converter boards for them.

 

[krabapple]

The Sony Player in question has HDMI out and coax digital - the coax digital wont function at all when playing SACD due to DRM restrictions.
There is NO RCA analogue output on this player
Simply put, I need the dac, so i can output to my amp!

Again, all I asked was, what equipment is downstream of your BDP.

It now appears you have a BDP and an amp? No preamp? There is no 'HDMI in' in the amp or preamp?

 

[hal9999]

If you want to work with I2S, be aware of the difference between 4/5-pin I2S connectors—which only allow for a cable run of a few centimeters (10–15 cm max.)—and the repurposed HDMI connector, which uses I2S over LVDS (supporting up to approx. 2 m). They are not compatible with each other, but there are converter boards for them.

I appreciate that Roland.

Iv been rapidly turned off the DIY route by what i have now heard about these 'Dac Boards' being poorly implimented. Perhaps naive of me, but when i began i simply hunted for a DSD Capable Dac chip and board (ES9039Q2M) which accepted I2S as its input -

Had i followed through with this plan, i would have used stand offs to place the boards right next to one another, in a metal case. I would then have manually attached the I2S out pins on the extractor - to the IN pins on the DAC board, using dupont/Jumper cables - at most it would have been 2-3 inches - but probably less in fact. I would have oriented both boards so that the I2S OUT on board 1, was right next to the I2S IN on Board 2

It is a shame, i have about 20 tabs open - but iv lost confidence in these DIY boards. Even audiophonics ones may not be sufficient.

Still no where close to deciding how to do this. Il do it somehow, probably involving some form of extractor, and an external dac.

 

[hal9999]

Again, all I asked was, what equipment is downstream of your BDP.

It now appears you have a BDP and an amp? No preamp? There is no 'HDMI in' in the amp or preamp?

Ok i genuinely was not clear on what you meant by that - My HIFI stack in full

• Wharfedale Diamond 6R Speakers
• Yamaha A-670 Amplifier (single RCA input, using it as power amp - gain staged to suit sources)
• Fosi Audio P4 - 3 RCA Inputs - Master volume, and main source switch - tone controls defeated
• Fosi Audio ZD3 - BYPASS mode - HDMI ARC to TV - Optical to Majority fitzwilliam - Coax Digital to Marantz CC3000 - USB to Fanless Linux Custom Build Micro PC (DSD playback works on the linux system via Cantata)
• Reloop TT to P4 Input 2
• Marantz DR700 to PREOUT On P4 for recording - no out connected, using it for recording only

 

[Chrispy]

While I wouldn't bother with 2ch sacd, only use it for multich myself, maybe a Wiim Ultra might be an easier way to go about getting dsd via hdmi? I just saw you added your gear list, so the Fosi ZD3's hdmi isn't capable to do what you want?

 

[hal9999]

While I wouldn't bother with 2ch sacd, only use it for multich myself, maybe a Wiim Ultra might be an easier way to go about getting dsd via hdmi? I just saw you added your gear list, so the Fosi ZD3's hdmi isn't capable to do what you want?

No a wiim ultra wont work. Neither will the ZD3 - both fine devices, but using HDMI ARC only for connection to TVs and ARC complient devices

From my modest understanding:

Whether it is a dedicated SACD player, or a BLU-RAY player that supports SACD - The Copyright DRM protections will not output DSD to just any device. The Coax digital output doesnt work at all when you play a SACD disk. HDMI works, but must be connected to a HDMI capable DAC or Receiver. Once it confirms 'Handshake HDCP' it will output DSD. Or PCM if you have set the player to convert to said format.

HDMI ARC on any device, will not work. The extractor boxes, which SEEM to come in two varieties, will handshake - and then extract the audio in a few different ways - this is where the confusion came from RE I2S, COAX and DOP.

And there genuinely does seem to be confusion from what i can see. HDMI-DOP-I2S Extractors output DSD in a PCM wrap which SOME Dacs can handle. The Standard HDMI-I2S will (afaik) output PCM via coax, albeit at a lower quality - still hi res though

 

[Chrispy]

No a wiim ultra wont work. Neither will the ZD3 - both fine devices, but using HDMI ARC only for connection to TVs and ARC complient devices

From my modest understanding:

Whether it is a dedicated SACD player, or a BLU-RAY player that supports SACD - The Copyright DRM protections will not output DSD to just any device. The Coax digital output doesnt work at all when you play a SACD disk. HDMI works, but must be connected to a HDMI capable DAC or Receiver. Once it confirms 'Handshake HDCP' it will output DSD. Or PCM if you have set the player to convert to said format.

HDMI ARC on any device, will not work. The extractor boxes, which SEEM to come in two varieties, will handshake - and then extract the audio in a few different ways - this is where the confusion came from RE I2S, COAX and DOP.

And there genuinely does seem to be confusion from what i can see. HDMI-DOP-I2S Extractors output DSD in a PCM wrap which SOME Dacs can handle. The Standard HDMI-I2S will (afaik) output PCM via coax, albeit at a lower quality - still hi res though

I use several Sony bluray players and an Oppo and generally use hdmi to an avr with dsd capabilities which works well for my small sacd collection Didn't realize the hdmi was somehow restricted to ARC, will have to look into that. Good luck!

 

[hal9999]

I use several Sony bluray players and an Oppo and generally use hdmi to an avr with dsd capabilities which works well for my small sacd collection Didn't realize the hdmi was somehow restricted to ARC, will have to look into that. Good luck!

Fair play! Sounds like a good setup! The oppos were apparently fantastic - heard nothing but good things!

 

[MCH]

No a wiim ultra wont work. Neither will the ZD3 - both fine devices, but using HDMI ARC only for connection to TVs and ARC complient devices

From my modest understanding:

Whether it is a dedicated SACD player, or a BLU-RAY player that supports SACD - The Copyright DRM protections will not output DSD to just any device. The Coax digital output doesnt work at all when you play a SACD disk. HDMI works, but must be connected to a HDMI capable DAC or Receiver. Once it confirms 'Handshake HDCP' it will output DSD. Or PCM if you have set the player to convert to said format.

HDMI ARC on any device, will not work. The extractor boxes, which SEEM to come in two varieties, will handshake - and then extract the audio in a few different ways - this is where the confusion came from RE I2S, COAX and DOP.

And there genuinely does seem to be confusion from what i can see. HDMI-DOP-I2S Extractors output DSD in a PCM wrap which SOME Dacs can handle. The Standard HDMI-I2S will (afaik) output PCM via coax, albeit at a lower quality - still hi res though

I know for a fact that the chip on the HDMI extractor/board you posted in post #1 can Output DSD, and Audiophonics sells that same board and claims dsd output, so I think if you are in eu it should not be too risky to order one and if it doesn't do what you need, return it. But then you need to find a DAC capable of taking that, and somehow tap the i2s from the extractor. I think is perfectly doable and if you ask at diyaudio or similar I am sure someone will know a board off the shelf that can do that. I wouldn't worry too much about connections if you keep them tidy and not excessively long.