New Audio-gd R-7, R-7HE R-8, R-27, R-27HE, R-28 Flagship Resistor Ladder DACs and DAC/amps

[Articnoise]

Thanks. I'm still a little confused about when the DI-20 clocks are/are not used. I was under the impression that the Di-20 clocks are used when going out over I2S. It seems this is not the case. So just for my knowledge, when in fact would the DI-20 clocks come into play?

Part 2. The question is what is DI20 clocking and if the DI20 really is operating in Asynchronous?

DI20 clocks the incoming USB signal and converts the USB signal to one of the following: SPDIF or I2S. In order to convert the signal, it needs to be clocked, i.e. re-clocked. Yes, it must be re-clocked because USB, I2S and SPDIF are completely different types of digital interfaces that do not speak the same "language".

Because DI20 only has USB on the input and no USB output means that DI20 cannot be controlled by Asynchronous USB from the DAC. No USB cable between DAC and DI20.
That means that when you use SPDIF out to your DAC, it is DI20 that dictates the timing for the packets to be sent to the DAC. With I2S, it depends on the DDC because the I2S interface/protocol can be made to operate both as asynchronous and synchronous.

 

[Ninja Theory]

With I2S, it depends on the DDC because the I2S interface/protocol can be made to operate both as asynchronous and synchronous.

Thanks for this clear explanation. Does the DI-20 have a setting for I2S async or sync? Or is it async by default? If it has a setting, I can't seem to find it.

 

[dougms3]

Thanks for this clear explanation. Does the DI-20 have a setting for I2S async or sync? Or is it async by default? If it has a setting, I can't seem to find it.

Async is the method of by which usb operates, its not a setting. It just means that its not linear, it sends data in chunks.

 

[PLGA]

Part 2. The question is what is DI20 clocking and if the DI20 really is operating in Asynchronous?

DI20 clocks the incoming USB signal and converts the USB signal to one of the following: SPDIF or I2S. In order to convert the signal, it needs to be clocked, i.e. re-clocked. Yes, it must be re-clocked because USB, I2S and SPDIF are completely different types of digital interfaces that do not speak the same "language".

Because DI20 only has USB on the input and no USB output means that DI20 cannot be controlled by Asynchronous USB from the DAC. No USB cable between DAC and DI20.
That means that when you use SPDIF out to your DAC, it is DI20 that dictates the timing for the packets to be sent to the DAC. With I2S, it depends on the DDC because the I2S interface/protocol can be made to operate both as asynchronous and synchronous.

Well. I use I2S between my DI-20 and HE-7 and recently I changed the clock cable feeding my HE-7 and it made a significant improvement. So, I2S is not dictating the clock over my HE-7.

I ordered the same clock cable for my DI-20 to see if improves things.

 

[Articnoise]

Well. I use I2S between my DI-20 and HE-7 and recently I changed the clock cable feeding my HE-7 and it made a significant improvement. So, I2S is not dictating the clock over my HE-7.

I ordered the same clock cable for my DI-20 to see if improves things.

Yes I believe Audio GD, PS Audio and many more companies makes DACs which operate in asynchronous I2S. The clock cable is super important. Both quality and short length.

 

[Articnoise]

Thanks for this clear explanation. Does the DI-20 have a setting for I2S async or sync? Or is it async by default? If it has a setting, I can't seem to find it.

DI20 haven no switch for that. If IIRC it has to do with which i2s lvds pins that are used if it will operate in asynchronous or not. Scott probably know more about this, I think.

 

[audionewbi]

Hi all, can someone refer me to a review of R-27HE please.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

We haven't seen any reviews since it's very new. But, based on past devices if the R-27HE has the feature set you want you should buy it with confidence.

 

[Lickumms]

Just bought this I2S Cable. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2255800069559032.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.47491802sEhIEI

 

[Currawong]

Hi all, can someone refer me to a review of R-27HE please.

I've written a review, but due to a bunch of things that came up, such as my air conditioner failing and having a bunch of students wanting to take the standardised English tests not long before the date, I've been delayed finishing it.
In short though: It's not quite a HE9 + R8, sounding only (in comparison) a bit less resolving than a TT2 as a DAC, and not quite the Studio Six as an amp (unless driving LCD-Rs or Susvaras). Headphone drive is outstanding. It sounds the same plugged into the wall or a power conditioner. It's weakest point is that it's best with a good I2S transport + HQPlayer, but with those things I would be happy with it as my only DAC/amp and not miss tubes, though it doesn't sound warm at all, unless you compare, where it's only very slight. It also, as usual, needs some hours switched on to sound its best.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

I've written a review, but due to a bunch of things that came up, such as my air conditioner failing and having a bunch of students wanting to take the standardised English tests not long before the date, I've been delayed finishing it.

I remember air conditioning

 

[FredA]

Part 2. The question is what is DI20 clocking and if the DI20 really is operating in Asynchronous?

DI20 clocks the incoming USB signal and converts the USB signal to one of the following: SPDIF or I2S. In order to convert the signal, it needs to be clocked, i.e. re-clocked. Yes, it must be re-clocked because USB, I2S and SPDIF are completely different types of digital interfaces that do not speak the same "language".

Because DI20 only has USB on the input and no USB output means that DI20 cannot be controlled by Asynchronous USB from the DAC. No USB cable between DAC and DI20.
That means that when you use SPDIF out to your DAC, it is DI20 that dictates the timing for the packets to be sent to the DAC. With I2S, it depends on the DDC because the I2S interface/protocol can be made to operate both as asynchronous and synchronous.

The usb receiver regulates the data flow. The usb receiver works in synch with the fpga, using the same clock. So the jitter level out is that of the clock signal derived from the Accusilicon XOs, so ultra low.

 

[dougms3]

Can anyone check the distance between the feet to the left or right edge of the R8 mk2?

Considering this dac but I want to make sure it will fit on my desk.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

I can't get mine out of its position in my rack

 

[gimmeheadroom]

I can't get mine out of its position in my rack

You want to know the actual footprint on the ground, correct?

Is an eyeball with a tape measure close enough, or are you cutting it that close?