You’ll most likely break your DAC if you try to connect the HDMI output of the Oppo to the I2S input of the Denafrips.
Just because they use the same connector doesn’t mean the wires are carrying the same signal.
I2S pinouts using the HDMI connector are different for each manufacturer. There’s no single agreed upon standard. |
Agreed its not recommended to go direct to the Denafrips from OPPO. One HDMI channel can be set to digital audio onlly, no video. I will message Alvin at Denafrips again for more clarification. He has been most helpful. Better than any other company rep except maybe Birgir at Mojnir Audio. I was disappointed with my contact at P.S. Audio- not Paul. As I have stated, I am hardcore disk listener. Some of my DVD-A do sound better thru optical. And again, Optical does not pass DSD, so I need HDMI to I2s. My leftover budget is for 4 powercords, and XLR to go between them. |
I2S can work. However, every manufacturer does it differently because it isn't standardized. There are $$25K DACs out there that don't support I2S. We have a lot of fools choosing equipment by whether is has I2S or not, rather than the reissues that affect sound and performance. I think that's a pretty good example of a fool's errand. Keep reading and you'll eventually see that I don't say foolish things. Been to a lot of rodeos. Jerry |
I'm just going to repost this from a similar discussion last month, and will add my setup is still working perfectly and the I2s is very noticeably the best SACD sound for my ears: (ps, the DSD light is ON on the Pontus 2) old_ears33 posts Wow, some good info on this thread but mostly a lot of confusion and false information. For a couple of years now I've been enjoying my small collection, <12 SACDs via: a standalone headphone reference system.. OPPO 83-(with 2channel SACD layer output selected)-small HDMI breakout box ($50 E-bay Chinese order)- I2s (all HDMI cables) into a Pontus 2 DAC-balanced cables-Jot2 amp-Aria headphones. No problem, the cheap box also sends full HDMI to a small monitor to easily access the player controls via remote. I realize I'm skirting DRM but I don't record or copy anything. Most SACD I see for sale are Hybrids with that 2nd or third layer of 2 ch PCM. I think there Japanese DSD only versions, expensive. Usually the SACD layers do sound notably better than PCM or regular Red Book cd versions...not always. It does no good to remix a final PCM file to DSD, then back again for play. Of course if the OPPO gives up I do have a 105 in my AV system that is going strong but doesn't do HDCD decoding like the 83. I didn't discover this on my own here's a link to the article that got me started: |
