We use the McIntosh MCT500 SACD transport. It requires their MCT cable into their amp or pre-amps DA-1 or DA-2 module.
Thus, you cannot output this transport into an outboard DAC.
Onix Zenith XST20 SACD Transport reportedly outputs SACD over i2S.
Wondering if anyone has this transport and can confirm that it works well with an outboard DAC (in our case, the Terminator Plus or Eversolo Z10).
As it happens, I recently saw a video about this on YouTube. Search for SACD and DAC. You need a I2S to digital converter to be able to use an external dac.
The XST20 has an i2s output and many DACs have i2s input.
I may not be following what you are explaining.
I know (and should have explained) that there are many articles noting that this is one of a few transports that allow SACD to an outboard DAC. Wondering if anyone in this community owns this transport.
Sorry, I was only trying to point the way to a possible workaround for the MCT500, but it looks like that’s a dead end…
That was my problem in poorly explaining. We have a large number of SACDs. This ONIX unit may represent a solution.
I will add in passing that, any device with an I2S output cannot be connected to every device with an I2S input.
While I2S (Inter-IC Sound) is a standardized protocol for transmitting digital audio, several key technical differences in configuration, clocking, and signal levels prevent universal, plug-and-play compatibility.
For two I2S devices to work together, they must be configured to match in:
-Master/Slave relationship (one of each).
-Data format (e.g., standard I2S, left-justified).
-Clock frequencies (BCLK, LRCLK, and MCLK).
-Signal voltage level
(Arduino Forum)
The Eversolo T8 and Z10 as well as this Onix have configurable i2s. The manufacturers provide a list of settings to match. We use setting 6 of the Eversolo T8 with the Denafrips Terminator Plus