Pi2 Design Idiot-Proof Ready-To-Go RPi/AES Streamer

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by Michael Kelly, Jan 16, 2021.

  1. iguoh

    iguoh New

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    On Kitsune's website, there is this though:

    May’s input and output interface:

    • Digital input interface includes
    • Enhanced USB (ground isolation) + Titanis 2.0 circuit + KYCON industrial High retention USB Connector (improved impedance spec) – Proprietary inhouse firmware w/ ultra low latency performance. Ultra low noise voltage regulation
    • RCA coaxial
    • BNC coaxial
    • AES/EBU
    • optical fiber/Toslink
    • I2S (HDMI) – improved ultra high performance 4way custom circuit (NOT traditional LVDS chip anymore) backwards compatible
    • I2S-2 (HDMI) – improved ultra high performance 4way custom circuit (NOT traditional LVDS chip anymore) backwards compatible
    • All digital input interface supports DSD (DOP mode).
    • Analog Output interface: single-ended, balanced.
     
  2. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    They are not using the CM4 I2S port. Instead they use USB from the CM4 (and external for DDC use) and convert to the various interfaces. Not the same thing as Mercury.

    I would like to see some jitter testing done to see how (and if) they have overcome the inherent high jitter of USB.
     
  3. Superdad

    Superdad MOT: UpTone Audio LLC

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    The website might be incorrect. It is very clear from the Owners Manual of both Spring 3 and May that their I2S inputs support only "native" DSD and not DoP.

    [Well this is where I keep trying to paste/drag-drop/upload a JPG screenshot of the May's Owners Manual page--but I can't seem to make it work. Can someone tell me where the Insert Image button/icon is? The "Image" icon just asks for a URL.]

    I have an original Spring L3 (not Spring 3), and it very much does support DoP. Have played DSD64 (DoP) via I2S from Mercury (V1) with Volumio, piCorePlayer, and GentooPlayer.

    I recall that it was with Spring 3 that the Holo architecture changed. However, going back to Spring 2 and the original Spring specs/manuals their support of DoP via I2S is not any more clear. I have a call into Tim Connor of Kitsune to get this cleared up once and for all.
     
  4. That St Kilda Guy

    That St Kilda Guy Acquaintance

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    So I reached out to Vinshine Audio to ask what the settings might be for the Mercury V2 and their Pontus II connected vis I2S.
    Considering theY sell both products and even posted a Youtube video for their Ares II and Mercury V2, I thought if anyone would know it would be them. This is their reply

    Greetings to you from technical support Vincent here.

    I²S has no industry standard.
    If you would like to use the I²S connection, the I²S pinout matching with the source (DDC/Transport/Streamer) has to be configured correctly.
    Mismatch of I²S pinout may result in static/noise output. The excessive noise output level may damage the loudspeakers/headphone drivers.

    Do noted that different brands of HDMI cable may also affect the i2s mode that would work for the two i2s devices.
    Hence we recommend you to cycle through the 8 different i2s pin modes on the DAC at least once to find the right mode that would match with the Mercury V2.

    Please go through the guide detailed here:
    https://www.denafrips.com/config-i2s

    Suggestion of I²S matching of the Transport & DAC
    1. Connect the I²S cable (good quality HDMI cable <3ft/1m)
    2. Turn down the volume (audible, minimal)
    3. Play a familiar music (PCM first, followed by DSD)
    4. Run through the I²S setting of the DAC, 000-111
    5. One of the modes should match with the source for both PCM and DSD playback.
    000 (48K 96K 192K LED off)
    001
    011
    100
    101
    110
    111 ( 48K 96K 192K LED on)

    It's recommended to go through the Audio Tone Test to make sure the L/R channel, in phase/out of phase correctness.
    Do give it a try and one of the modes will work with the Mercury V2.

    In short, they don't know, even though as I previously stated they sell both products
     
  5. iguoh

    iguoh New

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    I tried RopieeeXL as a Squeezelite client and used LMS to play DoP. Same issue - when playing DSF files, there is just hissing noise. So I guess maybe the Holo Audio May does not support DoP over I2S. I sold my Denafrips Venus 2 so I can’t try it anymore.
     
  6. Herbert

    Herbert New

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  7. Herbert

    Herbert New

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    No . Tested Devices by DSD direct :

    Holo audio Spring 3 and May . I2S : DoP and DSD direct suppported.

    https://bit.ly/3HwjDe2
     
  8. Herbert

    Herbert New

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  9. Herbert

    Herbert New

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  10. Herbert

    Herbert New

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  11. iguoh

    iguoh New

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    Does this apply to the manual update on RopieeeXL as well?

    I am referring to the prompt on the first page of the web interface :

    Update downloaded and available for your device!
    Install Update

    Is it safe to click Inatall Update?
     
  12. Superdad

    Superdad MOT: UpTone Audio LLC

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    I personally know the folks who maintain that database--and I can assure you that the information in it did not come from testing all 500+ DACs that support DSD. [​IMG]

    But hey, you own a Holo Spring 3. Have you ever, using ANY software or ANY computer, been able to send DSD via DoP to it through its I2S input? :rolleyes:
     
  13. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Thank you! I did not want to be the doubting A-hole, but I had the same thought.
     
  14. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    I don't know what Ropieee overwrites and what it preserves during updates.
     
  15. iguoh

    iguoh New

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    No worries, Michael. I will try it. Are the USB and WiFi changes documented in case I need to do them myself? I saw the link to Jeff Geerling’s page for the USB one but not the one for the WiFi antenna.

    There seems to be no way to ssh into Roipeee which is a bummer. So the only way to make manual changes is to attach a keyboard and monitor…
     
  16. ChrisMag

    ChrisMag New

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    Question for Michael. The L/R channels are swapped via i2s into my Tambaqui. Is there a way to swap them via the channels on the output? If not, no harm.
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2023
  17. iguoh

    iguoh New

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    I had the same issue when my Holo Audio May was set to HOLO in the I2S settings. I fixed it by changing it to ALT1.
     
  18. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    The Mercury V2 has the ability to swap the polarity on the I2S signals. V1 does not. What do you have?
     
  19. iguoh

    iguoh New

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    I am curious if anyone tried DietPi on the Mercury V2.
     
  20. ChrisMag

    ChrisMag New

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    I have a V2.

    Mola Mola's i2s pinout is:

    Pin Connection
    1 SDATA - (Serial data)
    3 SDATA + (Serial data)
    4 SCLK + (Bit clock)
    6 SCLK - (Bit clock)
    7 LRCLK - (Word clock)
    9 LRCLK + (Word clock)
    10 MCLK + (Master clock)
    12 MCLK - (Master clock)
    2, 5, 8, 11, 17, 19, 20 GND
    13, 14, 15, 16, 18 Not Connected
     

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