Audio Asylum Thread Printer

Get a view of an entire thread on one page

FAQ / News / Events

Computer Audio Asylum

RE: are there Dacs with HDMI ARC Input?

73.229.163.4

In Reply to: RE: are there Dacs with HDMI ARC Input? posted by boogyman on December 20, 2023 at 09:27:38

"Maybe try SMSL. Is that the same thing as i2s?"
Not the same thing. Some audiophile DACs have an HDMI connector but the electrical signal is nothing like HDMI that you will find on TV sets and other AV gear. Those 2-channel audiophile DACs just happen to use the HDMI style of physical connector to tap into the DAC's I2S signal.
I think what the OP is asking about are DACs that support HDMI audio. Any AV receiver will. A TV soundbar will. A small handful of 2-channel integrated amps [with built-in DAC] and some powered speaker systems will also support HDMI audio. This makes it easier for interfacing the TV to a 2-channel audio setup.
There might be a couple stand-alone 2-channel audiophile DACs that support HDMI audio but I don't know of any off the top of my head. I haven't researched it.

Edits: 12/20/23 12/20/23 12/20/23

Follow Ups:

RE: are there Dacs with HDMI ARC Input? - boogyman 09:45:32 12/20/23 (1)
That's good to know. I noticed the same plug type.

What is i2s for exactly? Just another connector?

I2s based transports?
- RE: are there Dacs with HDMI ARC Input? - AbeCollins 10:02:34 12/20/23 (0)
  What is i2s for exactly? Just another connector?"
  It's not a connector type. I2S is a low-level signaling protocol standard intended for moving PCM data within an electronic device between integrated circuits within the device. Some DAC and transport makers decided to "expose" the I2S signal (onto the HDMI style connector) to the outside world for interfacing transports and other devices to the DAC as an alternative to using USB, Optical, Coax, AES, etc.
  The I2S interface is certainly a selling point for those who want to differentiate their products and those audiophiles who want to be different. Is it a better sounding interface? Maybe. Maybe not.
  See the link below then scroll up for background.
  - I2S - more than you want to know (Open in New Window)
  Edits: 12/20/23 12/20/23

Post a Followup:

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

The Cable Cooker