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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
designsfx OP
795 posts
 

@spatialking -

Thank you again for your advice on this- it’s really been helpful. Quick background with Sonifex- I made an inquiry on their devices earlier this year, they make both active and passive. I didn’t care for their active SPDIF distribution device as all connections are RCA and their sales dept couldn’t comment on the the approach to buffering.
The transformer based passive unit seemed like the way to go but I held off purchasing because I didn’t understand if the signal loss would be too high due to the fact that it was designed for AES 110 ohm applications. I like the idea of the passive though. I asked if Sonifex’s engineers could perform a quick test with SPDIF over BNC but they declined as “it wasn’t worth their time for a single unit sale”.

At this point I like the thought of using the Mutec 3+ USB as it seems to be of higher quality, offers a selection of different outputs and also offers an excellent word clock (at least from what I’ve read). I’m not in a hurry with this so I’ll do a little more research before throwing money at it. Again- thank you for the time and the great advice.

Best-

Todd

djones51
4,947 posts
 

You could use This and if your DACs don't have AES3 in use These. The reason this type of splitter mainly uses AES3 is because they're used in professional situations. 

designsfx OP
795 posts
 

@djones51-

Hello and thanks for the shortcuts. I spoke with the folks at Henry sometime ago as this was one of the first distributors I had seen. These are actually made a few minutes from where I live.

The question with this one comes back to the signal voltage between SPDIF and AES as SPDIF is lower coming into the device. Not sure of what actually ends up leaving and/or if it’s too low or higher than what the DAC’s receiver is wanting. 

Have you tried this product for this application in the past?
 

 

djones51
4,947 posts
 

These are used as impedance transformer to take the output from  the Henry 110 Ohm to 75 Ohm as all outputs on the Henry are 110 Ohm. You would need one for every DAC that doesn't have AES3 inputs. I've not used this product but have used Hosa products to change or split digital signals.

 

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