I have just ordered a Zen MK 3, the only disappointing thing I found in my research was I have to get rid of my new ish Matrix Audio SPDIF, that I bought purely so I could utilise the i2S connection on my PS dac/pre. For me, the difference in sound quality from my Intel NUC pc was night/day (between the USB connection). Am I missing something? In that the Zen has a superior USB connection?
what is better, USB or i2S?
- Thread starter Peter
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I'd need to know which Matrix Audio device you have specifically, but from what you describe you would not "have" to get rid of it all; you could still go USB from the ZEN and run I2S to the PS Audio if you want to. You can then also test USB straight into the PS Audio directly and see if you think that sounds better or worse?
But keep in mind the whole point of the ZEN is that it would sound dramatically better than the Intel NUC, and the noise floor even via the Matrix Audio would be better. It's just up to you if you want to keep the Matrix SPDIF or not - the only reason it would not work is if that Matrix does not have a USB input, but from what i can tell of its recent models it should have one.
But keep in mind the whole point of the ZEN is that it would sound dramatically better than the Intel NUC, and the noise floor even via the Matrix Audio would be better. It's just up to you if you want to keep the Matrix SPDIF or not - the only reason it would not work is if that Matrix does not have a USB input, but from what i can tell of its recent models it should have one.
I will try both when I get my Zen the Matrix does have USB in and i2S out, that how I have it connected to the PC at the moment. Am sorry for the silly question, I should have realised before writing this
Not a problem! Yeah, I would just try it with and without the I2S conversion and see which you prefer
Do you have the PS DAC MK I or the latest MK II? If you own or if you are thinking to buy the latter, I can assure you that Ted Smith has done a wonderful job improving USB input, you can get rid of the Matrix!
The only I2S connection needed should be between the PST Transport and the DAC, to play SACDs.
Looking at your signature I noticed you may refer to PS SGCD, in that case you need the Matrix or… you can go for ZEN/ZENith NG models, equipped with a new I2S output module (future proof solution too).
hi Luca,
If you order the DDC module does the Zen/Zenith NG still output USB signal as well, or, is output only i2s while the board is fitted?
Hi Frank,
I guess the Digital Output Module should be the main connection used to match the best input DAC you own, for instance I2S for PS Audio SGCD.
Having said that, I can see that the ZENith back panel also sports a USB port called “DAC” and I suppose it provides an optional USB connection.
I’m not titled to give you an answer though. I’m sure that @Stephen Healy will soon do better than me.
I guess the Digital Output Module should be the main connection used to match the best input DAC you own, for instance I2S for PS Audio SGCD.
Having said that, I can see that the ZENith back panel also sports a USB port called “DAC” and I suppose it provides an optional USB connection.
I’m not titled to give you an answer though. I’m sure that @Stephen Healy will soon do better than me.
Yes you can still use the normal USB outputs on the NGs which will sound very good, they are just not reclocked with the 3ppb as found in the PhoenixUSB Lite. The mainboard USBs do not stop working when a different output module is fitted.