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SACD Player vs SACD Transport to use the D. Bob a/k/a Digital Breakout Box

Seeking the ability to hear the DSD layer of an SACD.  The current standard is PCM.  I have read that there is a legal invention called the Digital Break Out Box which allows the user to hear but not copy the DSD layer. Only interested in listening, not copying.  It is called the D. Bob and the seller sells same at geerfab.com. My reading says if you wish to use a SACD transport and hear the DSD layer and you wish to connect to an external DAC then the transport must have an HDMI out. Do any SACD transports have this HDMI.  Thought HDMI was only for televisions and not high end audio. I f I purchase a SACD player, do I still need the Geer Fab Box in order to hear the DSD layer of the SACD. In short, will I need the box in all cases? IF I am incorrect about any of my assertions, would welcome any constructive criticism.

 

kjl1065
yyzsantabarbara
5,547 posts
 

I got this email respone from the guy who makes the D.BOB regarding compatibility. The D-1 is the new Imersiv DAC that I own.

 

The D-1 accepts DoP only through the USB input. I did not incorporate USB, as it disables HDCP which is not the way to launch a new product. The D-1 also converts DoP to 24/92, which to me is a degradation of DSD. It’s one thing to record at 24/192 and then transfer to DSD, not the other way around.

The Allnic should work, as its website says: “S/PDIF Input  PCM up to 32bit/192kHz, DoP up to DSD128

AI says: Yes, the Playback Designs MPD-8 DAC supports DSD over Coaxial (DoP). My website needs updating.

yyzsantabarbara
5,547 posts
 

I just learned about the Briscasti m19 SACD transport. I will get to hear in on January 10th with I hope my Imversiv D-1 DAC and a couple of other great DACs.

Bricasti Design

It seems to me that the m19 can do what the D.BOB can do. That is DSD over DoP via SPDIF. Not 100% sure but the Bricasti rep is bringing it to a meet in the 10th.

I am taking some SACDs to test it out. I have failed getting the D.BOB to work with the Imersiv DAC. Giving up on that for a while.

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,781 posts
 

Have you tried the AudioPraise VanityPRO HDMI audio extractor?

yyzsantabarbara
5,547 posts
 

I have the Meitner MA3i DAC in my house today before it gets shipped out for a headphone meet in Denver.

The following were tested with the D.BOB on my system:

  • Imersiv D-1 (I own this one)
  • Allnic D-15000 Signature OTL/OCL
  • Meitner MA3i 
  • RME DAC
  • Benchmark DAC3B

The Imersiv and Allnic did not work. The Allnic should have worked after emailing the D.BOB designer. I will meet with the Imersiv designer next weekend in Denver and ask him if they can make it work with the D.BOB.

benzman's avatar
benzman
446 posts
 

How does the MA3i compare to your Imersiv D-1?  My dealer raves about the recently updated MA3i compared to the MA3 which I thought was a toss-up SQ wise with the T+A Dac 200. 
Not familiar with the Imersiv but pretty impressive specs especially with the sub Bob. Would solve a lot of problems with sub integration. 

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