Splitting Signal to Multiple DAC’s


Hello All-

I would like to find the best method of passing the coaxial signal from my music server into a device (preferably passive) that will allow me to split the outgoing signal to at least three separate outputs. The goal is to distribute one coaxial source to three different DAC’s so I can use my preamp inputs to select which is being heard.

I’ve read the archived posts and have seen similar questions asked in the past but have yet to find a recommended method of doing so. I know of active devices that perform this function but they seem to be built supporting AES3 standards as opposed to SPDIF.

In conversations previously had some have mentioned concerns about jitter, added distortion and loss. Any ideas would be appreciated.

designsfx

@spatialking-

Hello Robert- thank you for the response. When thinking about this early on I thought about giving this device a try. This is pricey but not outrageous when considered to other active splitters out there. 
FYI- just to clarify I would be using 75 Ohm BNC connectors from Naim Uniti Core to various coax inputs on the DAC’s. No Toslink.

If you don’t mind I’d be interested in your opinion on this unit as it pertains to your explanation above.

https://www.sonifex.co.uk/cmaesb3/cm-aesb3.shtml

Thanks!

Very interesting reading from @spatialking- getting more into it seems as though clock issues with the SPDIF data stream with increased jitter/distortion potential makes this not so simple (at least from my perspective). Sounds like the answer may be along the lines of this-

https://www.mutec-net.com/product_mc-3-plus-usb.php#data

@bruce_philly 

Hello-

I just came across a thread you started 5 years ago where you mention using a Mutec 1.2 as a throughput device to stream your music playback to multiple DAC’s and CD player. I’d like to ask if you’re still using this device and if so how well has it been working for you? Have you changed equipment/configuration since starting the thread? 
As you can see from the subject of this thread I’m trying to find the best method of distributing a single source to three separate DAC’s. Any insight you can provide would be appreciated.

Best-

Designsfx

@designsfx 

Hi there, the Sonifex is the transformer splitter I told you about.   The only problem with this approach, if it is a problem, is there is a loss of power in the signal, so you "may" have a loss of fidelity in the digital signal.  Fidelity here means the difference between a "1" and a "0" becomes blurred.  This is where EYE Diagrams and BERT testing will show if this is a problem.  You can Google this to find out what I am talking about if you are interested in that detail.   Clearly, the higher the digital frequency then the more likely this is to occur.  They didn't specify the loss factor in the unit but they did say 100M of coax at 96 KHz, so use that as your guide.  Do make sure your cable is rated 75 Ohms, most video cables are 75 Ohms, so use a good one. 

Note that in a properly terminated 75 Ohm line, the source, the coax cable, and the receiving unit must all be rated at 75 Ohms.  In spite of what is often advertised, RCA jacks can't actually achieve a 75 Ohms impedance, but they can be close.   BNC's are not a problem for 50 or 75 Ohm lines. 

An active device doesn't have the loss factor since it drives each output independently of the others, as each output is buffered.  However, they are more expensive, require power to operate, and overall may not make an improvement in your system over the transformer approach.   So, if you can, experiment and decide for yourself.