[BlackMagic]

It's a pro connection that's not widely used in the hobbyist community but definitely has its benefits. Not sure if there's a hobbyist/audiophile DDC for that particular conversion. I definitely spent 15 minutes looking just now xD.

As for the MSB "PRO I2S" sounds like a proprietary pin-out for no reason other than to keep consumers within the MSB ecosystem.

Indeed - closed shop. They changed it not long after and I gave up looking - also gave up looking for a lone converter until now. An external 10MHz Master clock input is mentioned, along the lines of Mutec perhaps ? The only downsides there (from what I’ve read), are huge cost + best when used with one or more of their other units.

 

[OhmsClaw]

Indeed - closed shop. They changed it not long after and I gave up looking - also gave up looking for a lone converter until now. An external 10MHz Master clock input is mentioned, along the lines of Mutec perhaps ? The only downsides there (from what I’ve read), are huge cost + best when used with one or more of their other units.

That's the thing I was talking about with the X30. It's got an oven-controlled clock; still not sure which implementation Laiv uses, but if it's temperature or voltage correction, you don't need an external clock unless you're doing a DDC over SPDIF/AES/Optical (synchronous modes of connection). You can slave I2S and USB is asynchronous.

Mutecs are pretty pricey but do what they do.

 

[Jake2]

Next, I asked a few digital designers, if there was such a thing as an AES or Coax to I2S converter. Possible it seems but you try finding one – anyone ? Forgot to ask Laiv !! Plenty of USB DDC’s out there but USB/AES/Coax input to I2S ? This could be of real benefit, to any Source (particularly if older/not ultra expensive), that does not have I2S output i.e. to enable the Dac to act as Master. More info required but pondering

In terms of DDCs which accept synchronous inputs as well as USB to buffer, (re)clock and convert to I2S or other outputs, to the best of my knowledge till now it was just Denafrips (AES/EBU, coax and Toslink inputs) and Audio-Gd (Coax input). So LAiV has joined a select club. I currently use an Ifi S/pdif purifier2 DDC to reclock the jittery mess that is the Toslink out from my TV to coax output to my DAC - works very well indeed, and the soundstaging one can get from Dolby Atmos on Netflix etc is super engaging. (My old s/pdif purifier v1 is in service in a long term loaner LSX + KC62 setup at my folks, quite impressive the difference it makes) But I’d wager the new µDDC would best it… not the main reason to get it, I mean that’d be crazy decadent, but a cherry on top.

 

[sbgk]

As with most things – if it meets your needs/budget, then it’s fit for purpose. Is this unit unique ? As with Fluty I’m mainly a CDP proponent and as it happens this could not have arrived at a better time. In addition to my very old Wadia Transport, I recently splashed out on an ‘as new’, 14 year old MSB Platinum Data CD IV. Very strange beast all round – not just a CDT - with an I2S proprietary output. 2 pinouts are a mystery.

Initially I investigated these 2 links, to see if they could be identified and asked Weng as well. Seems they could have been used in car comm chips so functions unknown (2 way probably). MSB responded it’s NOT I2S and … “no Cable on Earth would work”. Found this odd as they named it PRO I2S.

Next, I asked a few digital designers, if there was such a thing as an AES or Coax to I2S converter. Possible it seems but you try finding one – anyone ? Forgot to ask Laiv !! Plenty of USB DDC’s out there but USB/AES/Coax input to I2S ? This could be of real benefit, to any Source (particularly if older/not ultra expensive), that does not have I2S output i.e. to enable the Dac to act as Master. More info required but pondering ….

smsl PO100 pro does usb in to coax/opt/i2s out for £64, uses latest xmos 316 chip and is supposed to be an effective reclocker

 

[BlackMagic]

This might be first up I guess to learn more :

https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/laiv-uddc/

 

[OhmsClaw]

This might be first up I guess to learn more :

https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/laiv-uddc/

@GoldenSound If you could get ahold of this bad boy and compare it to your Holo Red measurements, the whole community would be grateful.

 

[GoldenSound]

@GoldenSound If you could get ahold of this bad boy and compare it to your Holo Red measurements, the whole community would be grateful.

I can ask if they can send one!

 

[venomas200]

If you have the opportunity in Harmony DAC try Coaxial, I in combination with Red which works as DDC I am shocked. It is probably better than I2S and other connectors. Native playback without any upsampling. The sound is most analog, it is not as dense as in USB or I2S. But it is not better in every type of music. And excellent separation

 

[Fluty]

If you have the opportunity in Harmony DAC try Coaxial, I in combination with Red which works as DDC I am shocked. It is probably better than I2S and other connectors. Native playback without any upsampling. The sound is most analog, it is not as dense as in USB or I2S. But it is not better in every type of music. And excellent separation

I agree - I'm getting the best sound of all using Coax with my CD transport, but very much dependant on cable quality. I've found the best Coax is from Snake River Audio (https://audiobacon.net/2018/08/11/the-audiophiles-short-list-the-best-digital-coaxial-cables/)

 

[Fluty]

Despite COAX being my favourite to date as in my previous post, I'm about to try I²S as I've placed an order deposit for the new µDDC. I asked Weng Fai if this would benefit my CD Transport, this being my main source which I've previously discussed with him. His reply, which I find very helpful, is as follows:

"The uDDC provides advanced reclocking for USB, I2S, and SPDIF inputs. This results in reduced jitter and improved accuracy before the signal reaches the Harmony DAC. It also introduces optocoupler isolation on digital outputs, minimizing potential interference and ensuring a cleaner signal path.
By adding the Harmony uDDC to your setup, you can anticipate enhanced soundstage depth, tighter bass, and improved microdetails. The overall presentation becomes more refined, with greater transparency and realism. Given the level of refinement in your system and your focus on achieving the best possible sound, I believe the uDDC would be a valuable addition".

On the basis of this I've placed the order, but now there's the question of what HDMI connecting cable to use for the I²S connection. I'm well aware of the importance of good quality connecting cables all round, and would be very grateful for advice from those here as to what is recommended for best sound quality?

 

[Jake2]

Nice @Fluty , to get you up and running for little to no money with a well regarded and well balanced I2S cable as a baseline - to which you can compare an upgrade cable should you so wish - I can recommend the Blue Jeans Cable FE. Was a strong recommend over on the U18 thread. The AV-play HD300 silver cable on AliX gets some love too as quite resolving, and may be recommended by others here, but those who’d tried both (I haven’t) tend to favour the cheaper FE as more balanced. For a once and done pick, the more spendy Tubulus Argentus or Concentus have universally high praise on multiple threads over several forums.

 

[Fluty]

Nice @Fluty , to get you up and running for little to no money with a well regarded and well balanced I2S cable as a baseline - to which you can compare an upgrade cable should you so wish - I can recommend the Blue Jeans Cable FE. Was a strong recommend over on the U18 thread. The AV-play HD300 silver cable on AliX gets some love too as quite resolving, and may be recommended by others here, but those who’d tried both (I haven’t) tend to favour the cheaper FE as more balanced. For a once and done pick, the more spendy Tubulus Argentus or Concentus have universally high praise on multiple threads over several forums.

Thanks @Jake2 for the detailed & helpful reply, it is as I feared - just when I thought I'd spent enough on cables! I'll start with the Blue Jeans until sure of the DDC, then will probably upgrade.

 

[BlackPink]

Personally, I am fine with a Ricable SUPREME HDMI 2.0b MKII cable which, according to the manufacturer, is also optimized for the I2s connection

 

[rafabro]

now there's the question of what HDMI connecting cable to use for the I²S connection. I'm well aware of the importance of good quality connecting cables all round, and would be very grateful for advice from those here as to what is recommended for best sound quality?

I own AQ Carbon. I was using couple years ago with Gustard X20 + Singxer SU-1 and then Gustard U16. I know well this cable is nothing very speciall. Even AQ Diamond which I tested is nothing exceptional and wouldn't recommend unless second hand.
Tubulus Argentus is much more open and detailed in comparison. Just has this "silver" sound a bit in it which I dislike.

I heard Ricable SUPREME is good. I use Ricable USB and Power Cable and they offer nice SQ in a price

 

[Jake2]

Personally, I am fine with a Ricable SUPREME HDMI 2.0b MKII cable which, according to the manufacturer, is also optimized for the I2s connection

Ah yes, forgot about Ricable, haven’t tried it but heard good things about these cables too.