MSB to offer new module for SACD fans

Mike

Mike

Audioshark
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As we continue to broaden our support for more digital sources, we are excited to now include a high quality HDMI I2S input module. This new module will include an FPGA to customize the I2S signal on a source by source basis. Many sources do not have the same I2S protocol, so this should allow a more universal setup compared to a dedicated input format. With a robust and fully isolated HDMI input connection, we can achieve the highest level of playback while supporting heavy duty audiophile cables.
It will initially be setup for the PS Audio transport to support SACD playback! A great option for those wanting to hear their SACD collections on a modern MSB DAC or Digital Director. We will also be working with Antipodes and others to develop a great and reliable playback experience unlocking even more from our favorite sources. Let us know if there are any digital sources you would like to see supported so we can start looking into them. A simple code update will enable new sources as they developed. Updates on this project will be made available on the official MSB forums. This module will be compatible with:

  • The Sentinel DAC (Upcoming)
  • The Cascade DAC
  • The Select DAC
  • The Reference DAC
  • The Premier DAC
  • The Discrete DAC
 

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Thanks for that update. Not looking for that module myself, I did not get into collecting SACDs. I am happy to see continuing module development at MSB. I have read they are working with the new Taiko interface, and heard rumors of a new renderer module.
 
So, this is your offer compatibility with transports that send the native DSD signal out via HDMI? Likely a small market but then again, it probably didn’t take much for them to do this. Cool thing is how they are supporting their DAC base.
 
In my limited experience, playing a good CD/SACD clearly sounds better than streaming the same music in my system, and I'd like to be able to separate the primary electronics (DAC) from the primary mechanical (SACD transport). When MSB exited the transport business, they exited my menu. Nice to see this development.
 
They will work to make other SACD transports compatible in the future. Esoteric would be nice.
 
Mike said:
..Esoteric would be nice.
Click to expand...
I can't see Esoteric coming to that party. How can MSB play with PS Audio for SACD? Isn't there a format licensing requirement that native DSD can only be carried between components from the same manufacturer?
And I thought I read somewhere that PS Audio is getting out of the SACD disc spinning business because they can't source the optical drives.
 
I think this module needs to be marketed to the many streamers offering an I2S output. Getting impressive results with a Hifi Rose RS130 i2S output into the MSB Premier.
 
GSOphile said:
In my limited experience, playing a good CD/SACD clearly sounds better than streaming the same music in my system, and I'd like to be able to separate the primary electronics (DAC) from the primary mechanical (SACD transport). ….
Click to expand...

In my experience, there’s no audible difference between streaming and physical media when the source is the same mastering. Once the data is bit-perfect, whether it comes from a CD/SACD transport or a ripped file streamed through a bit-perfect player, the playback is identical. My ripped CDs and SACDs sound the same whether I spin the disc or stream them, provided the signal path and system remain constant.
 
nicoff said:
...Once the data is bit-perfect, whether it comes from a CD/SACD transport or a ripped file streamed through a bit-perfect player, the playback is identical...
Click to expand...
In that case my Esoteric SACD transport should sound the same as my PS Audio SACD transport. Thankfully it doesn't.
 
nicoff said:
In my experience, there’s no audible difference between streaming and physical media when the source is the same mastering. Once the data is bit-perfect, whether it comes from a CD/SACD transport or a ripped file streamed through a bit-perfect player, the playback is identical. My ripped CDs and SACDs sound the same whether I spin the disc or stream them, provided the signal path and system remain constant.
Click to expand...
I wasn't referring to locally stored ripped files, in which case I would probably agree with you (I have none today). I was referring to files streamed from Qobuz vs. on CD disc. Same recording, Esoteric K-01 XD DAC/(SA)CD Transport, Aurender N20 streamer. Same bits but CDs sound better on my system. TBH the N20 streamer has exceeded my expectations and no doubt will improve further when I add a switch, etc.
 
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