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I2S Cable
Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 12:42 pm
by George Hincapie
Have any of you any experience with I2S cables?
Is there much difference between them? Thinking about the AudioQuest Carbon 1m which seems to be reasonably priced. That said, I've read of people being perfectly happy with an Amazon generic cable, so I'm not sure.
Re: I2S Cable
Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 1:27 pm
by Fretless
Isn't it just an HDMI cable?
Re: I2S Cable
Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 1:35 pm
by Nearlymusical
I am using an Audioquest carbon HDMI - between a DDC and DAC - I chose it due to the good result I had with the Audioquest carbon USB cable, but I'm afraid I cant offer comparison over generic. However I can say it seemed to be good value to me.
Just to mention one thing I have come across . There is a potential compatibility issue - not due to the HDMI cable choice - but due to the way the I2S connections are configured in the boxes that are to be connected. I had to ensure that my Audio DG DI-20 I2S output pin configuration was the same as the receiving I2S input pin allocation on the PS audio DAC. This is due to there not being an agreed standard for I2S implementation. Probably not an issue between boxes of the same manufacturer - but a potential pitfall for mix and match. So worth checking - thats if you if you havent already clocked this as a potential issue. All the best NM
Re: I2S Cable
Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 1:41 pm
by Hemmo1969
Fretless wrote: ↑Tue Nov 29, 2022 1:27 pm
Isn't it just an HDMI cable?
Uses the same end plugs ...I2s only needs 6 wires where as HDMI has 23 wired..... but yes you can use a HDMI cable.
Re: I2S Cable
Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:06 pm
by George Hincapie
Fretless wrote: ↑Tue Nov 29, 2022 1:27 pm
Isn't it just an HDMI cable?
It absolutely is just an HDMI cable. In the same way that a USB cable is just a USB cable and RCA cables are just RCA cables
Re: I2S Cable
Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:19 pm
by CN211276
I am using AQ Carbon HDMI cable between my Sky box and TV. It is a night and day improvement over Sky's supplied cable in terms of picture clarity. Even my wife thinks it is and she has never made such comments about audio cable upgrades.
Re: I2S Cable
Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:24 pm
by George Hincapie
Nearlymusical wrote: ↑Tue Nov 29, 2022 1:35 pm
I am using an Audioquest carbon HDMI - between a DDC and DAC - I chose it due to the good result I had with the Audioquest carbon USB cable, but I'm afraid I cant offer comparison over generic. However I can say it seemed to be good value to me.
Just to mention one thing I have come across . There is a potential compatibility issue - not due to the HDMI cable choice - but due to the way the I2S connections are configured in the boxes that are to be connected. I had to ensure that my Audio DG DI-20 I2S output pin configuration was the same as the receiving I2S input pin allocation on the PS audio DAC. This is due to there not being an agreed standard for I2S implementation. Probably not an issue between boxes of the same manufacturer - but a potential pitfall for mix and match. So worth checking - thats if you if you havent already clocked this as a potential issue. All the best NM
That's interesting, thanks. Fortunately my DDC and DAC are from the same manufacturer, so hopefully it should be as seamless as just plugging it in...
Re: I2S Cable
Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:27 pm
by George Hincapie
CN211276 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:19 pm
I am using AQ Carbon HDMI cable between my Sky box and TV. It is a night and day improvement over Sky's supplied cable in terms of picture clarity. Even my wife thinks it is and she has never made such comments about audio cable upgrades.
You almost had me believing you for a moment, but the comment about your wife just tipped your hat - brilliant
Re: I2S Cable
Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 3:53 pm
by Fretless
George Hincapie wrote: ↑Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:06 pm
Fretless wrote: ↑Tue Nov 29, 2022 1:27 pm
Isn't it just an HDMI cable?
It absolutely is just an HDMI cable. In the same way that a USB cable is just a USB cable and RCA cables are just RCA cables
Excuse my ignorance.
Re: I2S Cable
Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 5:49 pm
by George Hincapie
Fretless wrote: ↑Tue Nov 29, 2022 3:53 pm
George Hincapie wrote: ↑Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:06 pm
Fretless wrote: ↑Tue Nov 29, 2022 1:27 pm
Isn't it just an HDMI cable?
It absolutely is just an HDMI cable. In the same way that a USB cable is just a USB cable and RCA cables are just RCA cables
Excuse my ignorance.
Nah, you're good mate. Metrum/Sonnet I2S is RJ45. Suspect a few other manufacturers use that format too. Incidentally, you can swap the USB module in your Musette for an I2S module if you ever see an Ambre or Hermes going cheap.
I've ordered a 1m £10 'Amazon Recommended' cable for now. Let's see what the SQ is like with that before I spend 17 times that much on an AQ one
