+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 16

Thread: SPDIF output to AES/EBU input

  1. #1
    Join Date: Mar 2009

    Location: Chelmsford, Essex

    Posts: 433
    I'm Gareth.

    Default SPDIF output to AES/EBU input

    As per title, is this possible?

    Some context: I've recently acquired a Auralic Altair which, amongst others, has a AES/EBU input:



    I no longer own a digital source with a AES/EBU output and in order to maximise my options, I'd like to use any SPDIF digital source and plug it into the AES/EBU input. I've not been able to find a definitive answer and have tried one of these, but it doesn't appear to work:

    http://www.neutrik.com/en/accessorie...rs/naditbnc-mx

    EDIT: I am concerned the Neutrik device I purchased from eBay might be faulty, but can't be 100% certain.

    Am I on a hiding to nothing?

  2. #2
    Join Date: Nov 2008

    Location: Valley of the Hazels

    Posts: 9,139
    I'm AMusicFanNotAnAudiophile.

    Default

    S/PDIF is 75ohm impedence.
    AES3/EBU is 110ohm impedence.
    It's not just a simple case of physical adapters.
    Chris



    Common sense isn't anymore!

  3. #3
    Join Date: Mar 2009

    Location: Chelmsford, Essex

    Posts: 433
    I'm Gareth.

    Default

    The Neutrik device appears to offer a 75ohm input and with a 110ohm output. Have I misinterpreted the specs?

  4. #4
    Join Date: Dec 2015

    Location: Brighton

    Posts: 31
    I'm Simon.

    Default

    I use those Neutrik adaptors at work all the time with no problems. Despite the impedance mismatch, a phono to XLR cable usually works.

  5. #5
    Join Date: Mar 2009

    Location: Chelmsford, Essex

    Posts: 433
    I'm Gareth.

    Default

    Thanks.

    That's why I believe the Neutrik device I've purchased is faulty. There's physical evidence suggesting it's been opened. I need to test it before seeking a refund from the seller.

    Canare produce something similar, albeit expensive:

    http://www.canford.co.uk/Products/23...-to-BNC-socket

    I'm uncertain if I can use a (cheaper option) RCA to XLR cable or the more expensive adapter.

  6. #6
    Join Date: Dec 2015

    Location: Brighton

    Posts: 31
    I'm Simon.

    Default

    I could pop one in the post for you to borrow?

  7. #7
    Join Date: Mar 2009

    Location: Chelmsford, Essex

    Posts: 433
    I'm Gareth.

    Default

    Wow! That would be great, thanks. I'll PM you my details.

  8. #8
    Join Date: Jan 2009

    Location: Essex

    Posts: 31,848
    I'm openingabottleofwine.

    Default

    If you click on 'Drawing' in http://www.neutrik.com/en/accessorie...rs/naditbnc-mx, you will see the Neutrik adapter in question does indeed contain a matching transformer.

    By the way Gareth, whereabouts in Chelmsford are you? I live in Great Baddow.
    Barry

  9. #9
    Join Date: Feb 2011

    Location: England

    Posts: 290
    I'm James.

    Default

    The AES Input will be 'converted' to 'single-ended' within the DAC anyway so I don't think there'll be any audible advantage to converting it externally. In fact the converter within the DAC will almost certainly be of a better type.

    All three types of connector (AES, COAX and Toslink) carry the same DATA stream (balanced and unbalanced) so if it were me I think I'd just use the COAX/Toslink (if I had a choice I'd use the COAX) connection.

    Jim.

  10. #10
    Join Date: Mar 2009

    Location: Chelmsford, Essex

    Posts: 433
    I'm Gareth.

    Default

    To follow up: The device kindly supplied by @simonh also failed to work which leads me to think:
    a). the Altair won't accept a SPDIF signal via the AES3 input; or,
    b). the Altair's AES3 input is faulty.

    With no AES3 source to test, I can't be sure either way. I've reached out to Auralic but no response as yet.

+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •