Raspberry Pi I2S to SPDIF Hat

Background:
Not much. Tried M2Tech HiFace Two before, didn't notice much difference, hadn't bothered with DDCs ever since.

This time it's so significant, it's not even funny. The sense of air, better sound-stage, also mid-frequency harshness is gone, which leads to less fatiguing long listening sessions and/or ability to raise the comfortable volume level a bit.
Assembly/software preparation:
Pretty straightforward, almost plug'n'play. Install the HAT, unpack MoOde, select the correct I2S device and music storage path, restart. No advanced skills needed.
Actual hardware testing:
High frequency pitch is definitely there. Nothing to complain about other than that yet. Digital outputs are functioning perfectly (XLR/BNC coax → Dangerous Music Source. Toslink → Mojo).
Clock frequency indicator works. No problems with external power input as well (tested with a SMPS, nothing fancy, didn't hear any alteration of sound quality).
Difference between XLR and BNC is indistinguishable in my conditions (both cables are about 2 meters). Will set up some experiments to verify that claim (rearranging components around, creating a ground loop or nasty EMI conditions).

Thanks for this opportunity once again, @Michael Kelly!

 

That's great news Michael! I have been chomping at the bit to get my hands on one. Sounds like the pigs are flying and done squealing!!

 

The main difference aside from the included analog section is the connector which Michael moved from xlr to 1/4" to save some space. It's still aes/ebu but you'll need to use the adapter or get a new cable from somewhere like blue jeans where you can specify the terminators.

 

@Michael Kelly : Really great news! I've been following this thread for a while now (September?)

I've experimented a bit til now, with usb decrapifier (Regen) and DDC (Singxer F1) to my Bifrost Multibit and been running PiCorePlayer for a couple months through a Digi+ Pro (no mods for now, except 3.3V supplied only by the small onboard LDO rather than LDO + Pi 3.3V as it is in stock form. Must admit i've ordered a LT3042 based PSU to replace the onboard one cause I couldn't wait anymore to see what improvement it could bring )
Can't wait for your hat to be available!
Thanks a lot to all posters and to you particularly for making this product what it is!

Pi + Digi Pro is already something, sure your hat is gonna be even better

 

I'm planning to compare AES/BNC/coax, but my unit hasn't arrived yet. I will do the comparison as soon as I get it.

 

Thank you for the answer @philipmorgan; @haywood, in a previous post @Michael assured that there will be no differences between the original XLR connector and the 1/4" jack that now is being used since the Zout of 110ohm will still be provided (by the output trafo).

Hi Michael.
So no troubles so far with this last board iteration? Great news then!
I still think a coaxial out via rca connector (in addition to the coaxial out via bnc) could be an useful addition, since many electronics have this kind of output and people often prefer this one over toslink, but probably now is too late for that?
Just out of curiosity, how did you solve the high-freq pitched noise that some users reported? By using some kind of epoxy glue or by replacing the nasty component with an alternative?

So if all go fine probably by the end of March the first 40board will be available?

Thank you for your feedback @t3hwx9

Thank you for that; to which electronics the HAT will be connected?

 

Great news! Take my money
Definitely interested in finally putting this + Raspberry pi against my Mac mini streamer. Expecting greatness based on the posted impressions.

Any chance this hat would work with other SBCs as well (assuming the I2S from the SBC is connected properly)?
I got a battery powered Odroid C0 laying around that I'd like to try, it has a dedicated I2S header.

 

The shield uses the I2S bus, but also needs I2C to program the DAC and select the proper clock.

Cheers,
Michael

 

End of March is a bit tight for all 40, but should be well underway by then.

As for RCA, just use a BNC to RCA adapter. We also allow the voltage out to be adjusted for the lower consumer voltage with the RCA.

Cheers,
Michael

 

Have you checked the tracking number we emailed you? I am at home today so I do not have that info in front of me. It should have arrived by now.

Cheers,
Michael

 

Thanks! Will there be some kind of documentation regarding the board pinout somewhere down the road? I know this is a RPI board and mostly assumed plug and play on a Pi – just curious.

 

I will have a HW reference manual for it shortly. it will describe the pinout of all the connectors as well as the powering scheme.

Note that there is a headphone amp on the board, but it is not yet supported. That will require a change to the driver to add the HP amp. But it will be fully documented for those who want to hack away at it!

Cheers,
Michael

 

Yes, I've checked it a couple of times. The last update is from February 15, it shows that the item arrived at the UPS facility in Jamaica, NY and is currently in transit to the destination.
I've googled it and it seems sometimes can take 1 month to arrive from the US to any foreign countries. There are lots of stories from ebay sellers and buyers. It never took this long for me until now though, usually 10 days and I order quite a lot from the US. I hope it will show up at my door next week.

 

If it does not show next week I will send one of the new units.

Cheers,
Michael

 

Thank you. I'll keep you posted!

 

Sure, it was just to have a rough idea about the timetable in order to re-organize some stuff.
Keep us posted

 

How can I order my unit?

 

I will post a link to our store as soon as it is ready. We won't post it elsewhere so all you SBAF'ers will get first crack. I still need to figure out how to create a coupon code for the 20% discount.

Cheers,
Michael

 

NAS/USB thumb->RPI3->502DAC->Yggdrasil(coax/bnc/toslink/aes)->Saga->Jotunheim/Vali2
I'm also planning to try a balanced setup: 502DAC->AES to Yggdrasil->xlr to Jotunheim->balanced HD650

 

Hopefully the shipping to SGP won't kill.