SPDIF output to AES/EBU input

[Getgaff]

As per title, is this possible?

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

http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/vv12/Getgaff/55a760f971c84953aeecfa1fadc4a183_zps9bjdvflz.jpg

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/accessories/aes/ebu-impedance-transformers/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?

[Stratmangler]

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

[Getgaff]

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

[simonh]

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

[Getgaff]

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/23-092_CANARE-BCJ-XP-TRC-IMPEDANCE-CONVERTER-Inline-AES-EBU-XLRM-to-BNC-socket

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

[simonh]

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

[Getgaff]

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

[Barry]

If you click on 'Drawing' in http://www.neutrik.com/en/accessories/aes/ebu-impedance-transformers/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.

[JimC]

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.

[Getgaff]

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.

[Getgaff]

By the way Gareth, whereabouts in Chelmsford are you? I live in Great Baddow.
Opposite corner to you, Newlands Spring area. Or Broomfield if I want to sound posh; Melbourne if I don't :)

[ijrussell]

I don't think that you can do what you are trying to do as the signal is different for S/PDIF for coax and AES. It isn't as simple as matching impedance like it is with analogue signals.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/S/PDIF

[Getgaff]

I believe you're right. Info I was able find online suggested it might be possible, but not in my case.

[RMutt]

This article sheds some more light onto the subject . http://www.rane.com/note149.html

[hifinutt]

I might be a bit thick here but I use a digital cable acoustic zen with rca to aes from the co-axial output to the aes input on my dac . sounds just fine

[RMutt]

About half way through the article there is a heading 'Conversion Caution' that seems to deal with the issue. Of course they may be wrong. I am interested because it would solve a lack of inputs problem with my DAC.