Is my HDMI audio out really an i2s connection?

Thank you, all. I've decided to abandon my attempt to make my Sony unit into a transport. I have a server on order. I'll be able to step up my digital game when it arrives. Again, Thanks.

No that connection is not compatible, but the DDC route would allow outputting I2S to your DAC....and it's a terrific connection. Unfortunately there is no I2S standard (I hope that will change), so that would be a phone call to the manufacturer unless you know your DAC is configurable

One of the big issues with i2s is that they do not have standard pin protocol. If you do go with the dds route you need to make sure the pin out matches the pin in. Singer actually has pin toggles to match the dac i2s inputs of different dac. Guess  the main thing to know even though hdmi and i2s are the same cables they are not the same inputs or outputs.

I have a Sony UBP-X1100ES,  and I tried the hdmi marked audio out, into my McIntosh MDA200 dac hdmi input, and got nothing. I used a SACD which played fine using the coax.

I guess it's only for  input from a TV , but i don't see why it shouldn't work. 

Try it! Have fun. But... it is not i2s.

I run hdmi from my 1100 to a Moon 390 hdmi in and get 176k from SACDs.

I like the sound. 

Good luck.

Don’t use the Toslink connection — you’re better off using SPDIF.  Upgrading your digital cable can do wonders depending on what you’re using now.  I was using a decent budget cable, but when I upgraded to this AZ MC2 cable (there are reviews online you can read) the sound improved dramatically — and I mean dramatically— in every way so that might be an avenue to explore, and your excellent DAC will certainly appreciate it.  Here’s one for sale just fyi…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649951192-acoustic-zen-mc2-digital-coax-cable-1m/

Best of luck. 

No and furthermore no.

Thank you jasonbourne71and soix. My plan was to run a signal from my Bu-Ray transport to my Gustard A26 then then analog out to my ARC integrated. I was wondering if the HDMI Audio Out on the Sony was in fact a i2s connection. Yes, I could use the RCA out to my integrated but then I get less than desirable clocking and processing that my Gustard can otherwise provide. I was just exploring a way to use my Sony unit as a transport and my Gustard as the DAC. I could go the with the toslink optical output on my my Sony to the Gustard. I will likely try that. Again, thank you for your input.

No.  To get an i2S signal you’ll need to get a DDC like a Singxer SU-6, Musician Pisces, Denafrips Iris, etc. and run the digital out from your Sony into that. 

The X1100ES also has left and right audio RCA's. Why not try them instead of your DAC? Have someone make the switch into your amp so you don't have sighted bias. Listen over a few days. The result might surprise you!

That HDMI marked "audio" may be for a hi-rez audio signal from a streaming source. That player appears to be capable of streaming!

I looked at the back. It has a digital coax plus a toslink optical output. Also two HDMI outputs - one marked "audio". I say use either coax or toslink into your DAC. 

Does that Sony BlueRay player have a coax output? If so, use that into your DAC. No such thing as "high definition" CD’s. Only Redbook and SACD.