- Thread Author
- #41
We have clients using it. Works great!
MSB to offer new module for SACD fans
- Thread starter Mike
- Start date
GSOphile
Active member
My follow up questions would then be:
1. How does it sound (with CDs, SACDs)? What aspects are improved or not?
2. Compared to what (was your prior configuration)?
1. How does it sound (with CDs, SACDs)? What aspects are improved or not?
2. Compared to what (was your prior configuration)?
- Thread Author
- #43
1. The customer has a lot of CD’s from small local bands and cruise ship performers (not kidding).
2. He has a Pink Faun Ultra with MSB fiber link. This outperformed the transport when I listened. But a longer listening session required.
Keep in mind that a lot of the great SACD’s and CD’s from the likes of MOFI aren’t on streaming usually and sound superior.
It’s not a true A/B.
GSOphile
Active member
I have maybe 50 SACDs, but some of these are among my very best, and some of my very best CDs cannot be found on Qobuz. (I do mostly classical music.) I am surprised at how well my streaming performs (Aurender NH10/N20/Esoteric K-01XD DAC) compared to the K-01XD's CD/SACD transport/DAC. In some cases streaming SQ from Qobuz is actually equal or slightly better to my ears than from my CD player for the same CD recordings, which strains credulity.
I would like to separate the transport from the DAC, but unless the transport and DAC are from the same company, there are legal issues with SACD playback unless connectivity is via I2S. This severely limits DAC choices if SACD playback is required - for the relatively light use I would make of it. I may just need to investigate some DSD downloads.
I would like to separate the transport from the DAC, but unless the transport and DAC are from the same company, there are legal issues with SACD playback unless connectivity is via I2S. This severely limits DAC choices if SACD playback is required - for the relatively light use I would make of it. I may just need to investigate some DSD downloads.
crwilli
Well-known member
Or RIP your SACDs to DSD64 and stream them.
gadawg
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2017
- Messages
- 237
Yeah but the Jays Audio transport doesn’t do SACD and I think I read the PS Audio transport is now sold out maybe not to be replenished?? So are there any other transports out there that would make I2S relevant for DACs that could use that as an input for potential SACD playback?
George
Audio 1
Active member
There are others and MSB has a list of what is currently compatible.
One option is this:
Onix - Zenith XST20 SACD Transport (Titanium)
The world's largest online retailer of high-end audio, audiophile music, and accessories. We specialize in vinyl records and turntables.
www.musicdirect.com
crwilli
Well-known member
And there is an aftermarket board for OPPO SACD players that creates an I2S (HDMI) output for OPPO players. I haven’t read about anyone who has done it so don’t know if they work.
OPPOMOD.com
I am a bit curious. I have an ‘extra’ OPPO103 and the Board is $220.
OPPOMOD.com
I am a bit curious. I have an ‘extra’ OPPO103 and the Board is $220.
GSOphile
Active member
Yes, my interest here was in a fallback if I were to settle for a CD transport. I did talk to the Jays importer about what I'd like to see in a future product, and he acknowledged that SACD capability was a frequent request as they contemplate future products. Since they serve Asian markets where physical media is still big, maybe....
gadawg
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2017
- Messages
- 237
There are others and MSB has a list of what is currently compatible.
One option is this:
Onix - Zenith XST20 SACD Transport (Titanium)
The world's largest online retailer of high-end audio, audiophile music, and accessories. We specialize in vinyl records and turntables.
I couldn't find their list but the Onix you list I believe is the only SACD transport today that does I2S at all. Its a shame really because brands like MSB and Lampizator which have no transports don't have a great option for SACD playback. I'm not sure that the Onix transport will be comparable to the MSB or Lampizator is quality ...
George
crwilli
Well-known member
Bricasti makes an SACD transport with i2S output. I do not know if it would work with MSB.
futureaudiophile.com
Bricasti M19 Audiophile SACD and CD Transport Reviewed
Bricasti M19 SACD and Compact Disc Transport is a possibly the last silver disc spinner that you will ever need.
futureaudiophile.com
- Thread Author
- #52
For the money and options, I would take a chance on this:
Has i2S.
www.theabsolutesound.com
Has i2S.
Onix XDA-20 DAC and XST-20 Transport
Onix Audio isn’t exactly a household name in high-end audio circles, but the company has quietly built a long history in the industry. Founded in 1979 in
www.theabsolutesound.com
GSOphile
Active member
The Bricasti M19 Reference SACD/CD I2S Transport uses an RJ45 connector on its I2S cable. MSB only supports an HDMI connector for I2S. I looked into this when MSB announced their Universal I2S Module, which is only 'universal' when an I2S protocol is transmitted over an HDMI cable.Bricasti makes an SACD transport with i2S output. I do not know if it would work with MSB.
Bricasti M19 Audiophile SACD and CD Transport Reviewed
Bricasti M19 SACD and Compact Disc Transport is a possibly the last silver disc spinner that you will ever need.
I think the Onix Zenith transport has the same issue - doesn't look like it supports the HDMI connector for its I2S.
Last edited:
Bones13
Active member
I had upgraded my 203 with the Linear PSU, and transport stabilizer several years ago. Company, and products seem legit.
Might be a good “small” project for me to do while waiting for my house to clear out, and I can start some bigger ones. (Daughter, SIL, and granddaughter living at my house during their remodel)
Wondering if the I2S module will cost more than the combined cost of the 203, and mods. (I bought the 203 when it came out) I have a few DSDs, and SACDs to listen to, and wonder if the movie soundtracks would sound better than my current 203->HDMI ->TV->TOSLink->DAC
crwilli
Well-known member
That’s too bad. Bricasti makes well engineered and manufactured products.
crwilli
Well-known member
I ended up ordering the i2S board for my OPPO 103, just for kicks.
Bones13
Active member
Let me know what you think. I’m interested in how they expose the port on the back of the unit. Do you have the MSB I2S module already?
crwilli
Well-known member
I will have to dreamt a hole for the external HDMI.
Yes, I have the I2S module already. I use it with my Antipodes K50G4 server.
Stay tuned.
Yes, I have the I2S module already. I use it with my Antipodes K50G4 server.
Stay tuned.