Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat Converting coax digital ouputs to AES/EBU outputs?

I've researched this and have come up with varying opinions, so I wanted to post this question here to take advantage of this knowledge base.

Basically, I want to use the 75ohm coaxial digital outputs on a G61/G68 processor and convert them to a 110ohm AES/EBU compatible signal. Obviously the cables and connectors are different but the real problem is the impedance difference.

I would need some type of impedance transformer. Is this even worth mucking with?

Thanks,

Flea

Hi Flea,

Personally I don't think it is worth it, esp. when you consider that the converters [which will need transforms] might degrade the signal by adding extra jitter.

In the Meridian world you could use an AC11, but I suspect you don't want this.
I think Robert's Reviver also works in reverse so that's something else to consider.

Some questions back to you:

How long are the cable runs?
What are you going to drive with the AES/EBU signals?
What is your rational for wanting to do this?

Regards,
Carl

I'm trying to drive Genelec monitors digitally.
The cable runs would be fairly short, maybe 3-5 meters.
My rational is to maintain the source signal in the digital domain for as long as possible.

I tend to agree with you regarding introducing or increasing jitter and I really don't like the idea of inserting a transformer into the digital signal.

I'm looking for a better solution.

flea

What Genelec's are you using. I've been thinking of getting some for my HT.
Would love to hear your impressions when used in a stereo or 5.1 system.

You could use a 518 to do this if you don't care about 88k and 96k sample rates. I use two 518's in my setup for a long run and it made a big difference in the sound of my sources coming from my projector room using AES/EBU between the two 518's.

Or use a M-Audio CO3 which is made for the job and has built-in jitter correction (I'm assuming a phase-locked loop):

http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/manuals/CO3_Manual.pdf

Cool; having just skimed the Genelec site (I see they don't accept SPDIF signals) I now understand why you need to convert.

I too think VKs suggestion of using the C03 is good one.

Are the Genelec's limited to 44.1Khz/48Khs? If you want to go higher you may have problems with the Meridian encripting its outputs when HS=Y is set.

Regards,
Carl

PS You might also wish to consider using a G68SL etc. as it has SpeakerLink outputs which are AES/EBU format, you would just need to make up some RJ45 to XLR adaptor cables.

Thanks everyone,

I knew I would find some solutions here!

I did a search for digital SPDIF-to-aes ebu converters and came up with all sorts of different brands.

Here's one that is fairly inexpensive Hosa CDL-313

I would need three of these for a 5.1 setup, but that's ok.

Now as far as inserting more boxes into the signal path, I don't know. I guess as long as the signal remains in the digital domain and is not being converted to analog and back again it would be ok.

Flea

I'm using 8250's and they are stunning!

flea

Wow Carl,

That's a good idea. I didn't know that SpeakerLink were AES/EBU, I always thought they were proprietary.

flea

Carl,

That's over my head regarding the Meridian encrypting its outputs, and I have no idea about the limits of the inputs on the Genelecs.

You just blew me out of the water on that question.

flea

After more reading on the Genelec website I can confirm that the 8200 series "will accept sampling rates ranging from 32kHz to 192kHz".

flea