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T42

Can you not make a dongle type of solution that will start with COMMS(DIN & COAX) and AUDIO on one end and will end with RJ45(female) on the other? Will this not simply emulate the M solution (of course less RS232)? Idea here is to make a simple solution that will be a sub for the current AC12.

Additionally as already mentioned, give us an option to put one conversion kit per speaker.

I do not know how the Master/Slave works in this setup. Someone else will have to provide input. Sorry I am not an engineer or tech savey like the others on the forum.

I have an older line of speakers - DIN based speakers and I am sure there are quite a few of us on the forum. I see no reason to upgrade my speakers simply for SL connectivity. I have 6000s in the front and will be looking at replacing my rears and center over the next several months, but not the mains.

Thanks for looking into this!

Apologies for the delayed reply, I've been away on business.

That's a perfectly logical argument, however SPDIF doesn't work in the same way as computer networks. SPDIF always carries two channels of audio (Left+Right, Centre+Sub etc.), so it is, by definition, a shared connection. It's not impossible to transmit the same SPDIF signal down two cables though (see later in my reply).

This is an interesting question and one that I'm also curious to know the answer to.

I agree that the adapter boxes required during this transitory phase add to the cost of upgrading, however the SpeakerLink/Cat5 solution makes a lot of sense in the long run and I hope that M is now committed to using it for the foreseeable future.

A dongle or simple converter box is what I had in mind. I'm in the process of ordering parts to build a prototype unit and would be very grateful if a few members could try it out in their systems once I've finished it.

This is a little harder and would probably require a powered unit to transmit each SPDIF signal (and comms) effectively down pairs of Cat5 cable. Just like the AC11 does in fact.
So, is there in fact demand for an AC11 alternative as well?! This is a very different design challenge, but one that I will look into if there is enough interest. Given that it would be a powered solution, a single box that handles up to 8 channels of digital audio (4 SPDIF pairs) would make more sense than several powered boxes, each handling only a pair of channels?

This is something I also need to look into a little further. Going back to the AC12 equivalent (without the star topology ability)... If the comms connection is a BNC connector it would be easy to include a switch on the unit to select Master or Slave comms, and use a BNC to DIN adapter cable with the appropriate DIN connector for the type of comms required. I know this isn't the most elegant solution for those with DIN comms, but it is probably going to be the most cost effective solution.

Hi t42,

Don't forget to allow for a system where the Master DSP is also the controller.
This means you need both comms in and comms out from the DSP; it is not an either or situation.

Star wiring; Meridian processors with SpeakerLink outputs have 4 RJ45 pairs (8 RJ45 ports) so you don't have to worry about 1 source driving two Cat5s it is already done in the processor.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Carl

150 euro per channel.

Thanks, I knew that there was some setup where both Master and Slave comms were required, I just couldn't recall what it was. Although I guess a star network using an AC11 or SL processor would get round this?

That's what I was trying to get across with the AC11 example above, assuming that a non-SL processor was being used. But you're right, the same would apply to a SL processor. There are so many permutations to consider!

Useful to know, thanks for sharing.

Off course it would need to work like a AC-12 for 2 channels for that 150 Euro..
I peronally find 150 for a unit the limit, as i would like to bring RJ-45 to each speaker position.

Carl sorry it took so long........yes I'll need an SL processor and Center to achieve what I really want.........thanks again for helping me understand -- I was fixated on daisy chaining off the Center because that's how the COMMS were set up and NOT the actual data........

Hi,

Glad I could help; it was my pleasure and what the forum is all about.

Regards,
Carl

Hi all,

Apologies for not updating this recently, I've had some personal issues that I've had to work through. Please be assured that I still intend to complete a prototype soon and will need a few people willing to be beta testers.

If anyone with existing SpeakerLink and non-SL kit would like to volunteer then please PM me as I would like to test on a cross-range of kit in real-world set-ups and environments (and I can't afford one of every SL product myself!). If I produce a saleable product then I will ensure that the selected beta testers will receive a worthwhile discount should they ultimately decide to purchase any.