Metrum Acoustics Onyx (balanced Dac) and Jade (balanced Dac + Pre)

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by sacredgates, Oct 3, 2017.

  1. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    Not trying to make @Michael Kelly more work, but it'd probably be straightforward and within electrical tolerances to make an adaptor card that accepts a Sonnet I2S module, with pins on the bottom in a Metrum compatible format. I could provide measurements and pinouts of both I2S cards. Just saying...

    And... we have a new Sonnet distributor here in the greater Denver area that could likely provide Sonnet I2S cards.

    Update: Just fired off an email to the author of both form factors (Cees) to get his input on ease / feasibility. Let's see what he says. He's very concerned that Metrum users aren't left high and dry.
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2020
  2. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    :):)
    As near as I can tell that would seem to be redundant. The reason is that our RJ45 adapter board is passive. It simply routes the buffered signals from the PI2AES to the RJ45 in the order as required for the Metrum side. I don’t know if there are active parts on that side, but if they are they would probably need to be duplicated whether it was going to our board or using this other companies board.

    That said, I am certainly not looking to make more work for myself unless it helps you guys use our product. :)

    Michael

    EDIT - but please supply me whatever you can.

    [email protected]
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2020
  3. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    Thanks @Michael Kelly! :)

    A couple of small updates from my back and forth with Cees...
    1. The manufacturer he uses to build his Sonnet products, is the same that builds Metrums. It doesn't help us, but he knows for a fact that they have Metrum I2S modules in stock.
    2. He's really not able to help us...until maybe 3-4 weeks from now. I read that as a contract / non-compete issue.
    It does seem that the only difference between the Sonnet and Metrum I2S modules are purely form factor. I'll open up my Sonnet in the next few days to see for myself.
     
  4. neogeosnk

    neogeosnk Friend

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    Just got my Sonnet Morpheus a minute ago, here is what the i2s Module looks like for reference:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  5. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    I chatted with a Metrum dealer about what is happening over in HQ-land. Wasn't surprised to hear rumours that things have gone sideways for them and they have had their own share of issues.

    Who knew a company could go in the tank so quickly when one person leaves?!
     
  6. lehmanhill

    lehmanhill Almost "Made"

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    A couple of things.

    Per the Sonnet website, part of the effort on the receiving module, at least the Sonnet module, is the 100 Ohm impedance. So it ends up being a little more than just a passive connector. Using the Pi2AES' buffered i2s outputs, I'm guessing that the input impedance of the receiver may less critical.

    I pulled the Metrum i2s module out of my Onyx to see if it would fit in my Pavane. They are different with the Onyx having more pins connecting to the board below. Based on the pictures above from neogeosnk's Sonnet, the pin orientation is definitely difference.

    Based on Mister Rogers communication with Cees. I think waiting a month and seeing what is possible may be the best move. Meanwhile, I have to see if Paypal can get my money back.

    Jac

    @msommers - I agree about 1 person leaving a company. I guess it depends on who that person is.
     
  7. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    That might be enough. Keep me posted.

    Michael
     
  8. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Because we use a series resistor to drive the signals, the end point termination is less important. It may simply require me making a board and then having some of you folks test it.

    Michael
     
  9. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    @Michael Kelly - I’m happy to pull mine out of my Pavane and send it to you.
     
  10. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    No guarantees of course, but I think it’s worth a shot. And from a pure business point of view it gives us a nice little niche to pursue.

    Please send it to:

    Pi 2 Design
    505 Hatchery Rd.
    North Kingstown, RI 02852
     
  11. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    I’ll have it off next day or so.
     
  12. lehmanhill

    lehmanhill Almost "Made"

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    @ Michael,
    Since I know that they are different between Pavane and Onyx, I will pull mine from the Onyx and send it to you.

    Happily, there is nothing exotic, from the looks of things.

    Jac
     
  13. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    Yea, glad you mentioned that @lehmanhill ; I was going to call that out again. Hopefully they're close.
     
  14. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Awesome!
     
  15. lehmanhill

    lehmanhill Almost "Made"

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    I was just pulling my i2s module out of the Onyx and took a closer look. It appears that they are using a DC-DC converter to isolate the power from the rest of the DAC. They have a IE0505s XP Power Supply, DC-DC converter, but it isn't changing the voltage. Its 5 VDC in and 5 VDC out. The only other active component on the board is an LM317L (8 pin SOIC) voltage regulator. The rest are resistors and caps. Plus some jumpers that I don't understand why they would need.

    I will be interested to hear Michael's impression, once he gets a closer look.

    Jac
     
  16. IB Down-Under

    IB Down-Under MOT: Critical Sound Information

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    As a short intro I’m an ex Metrum Dealer (would have been my 7th year this year) and followed Dac/other progress since the original Octave. Hex was one of my favourites and kept in use even after Pavane came out. Not sure what it was about it (even though more resolution with Pavane) but when Adagio arrived it was time to move on.



    Anyway I have a new I2S module suitable for Jade/Onyx. As reported Modules have diff pinouts for diff models. Without going into any details there’s still a lot of Metrum products available through stocking Dealers etc. and my suggestion would be they should be 1st port of call for anyone interested in something.



    Thanks to Cees I’m still able to offer M support and do so. He’s gone beyond the call of duty on this even though it’s time consuming and distraction to his new venture.

    (MOT status not showing up as yet)
     
  17. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    @Michael Kelly - check your inbox for tracking info.
     
  18. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    can we assume this is your own design and subject only to your decision about availability and pricing?

    If so, it seems like that will be the best for most folks. I certainly do not wish to take business from you if you could meet the needs that people seem to have here.

    Michael
     
  19. IB Down-Under

    IB Down-Under MOT: Critical Sound Information

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    Hi Michael

    Not skilled enough to DIM I’m afraid so an original M unit. Notice a stripped screw thread mentioned above – easily done. Always apply firm pressure when unscrewing and don’t over tighten when doing up.

    And looks like I should have included MOT details in Signature ? If I go to Edit Sig/Settings etc. does this sort this ?

    Ian
     
  20. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    For MOT I believe you have to message one of the mods.
     

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