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xArtx

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 30, 2012
764
1
Hi Guys,
So I modified a TOSlink to coaxial digital converter, to fire a cheap 1mw
laser diode instead of the electrical signal.
Connected that to the Apple TV TOSlink connector, and the laser can be
received directly by the TOSlink input (to an amplifier) at the other end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5mortSDy1E

At the other end, my shelf hifi doesn't have any optical input,
so I use another type of converter (TOSlink to analogue Left and Right).
The laser can also be shot into an optical cable.

What's really interesting is that the ATV provides a DRM free digital audio output.
I'm interested in pulling the ancillary information such as track info from
the Cirrus decoder chip... this is a bit of a stop on the way :)
Cheers, Art.
 

JAT

macrumors 603
Dec 31, 2001
6,473
124
Mpls, MN
DRM-free....yes, that is the SPDIF spec. Basically too old to have DRM.

Kinda neat overall, but why do we need to beam laser across the air with line of sight issues? Digital cables are just fine.
 

xArtx

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 30, 2012
764
1
DRM-free....yes, that is the SPDIF spec. Basically too old to have DRM.

Kinda neat overall, but why do we need to beam laser across the air with line of sight issues? Digital cables are just fine.

Just a novelty... It's not like I'm trying to sell it to you :D
It's a bit of a side step on the way to a digital level meter.
Apple can't produce any music visualiser, in any device,
, I suspect because they can't see their own PCM data.
 

JAT

macrumors 603
Dec 31, 2001
6,473
124
Mpls, MN
Come up with a good reason why this is superior to wire and audiophiles may eat it up. Charge at least $2000 per unit. :D
 

xArtx

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 30, 2012
764
1
The TOSlink optical cable is already superior to wire because it's
not vulnerable to electromagnetic interference.
Laser would only be superior for applications where you can't use optical cable
(ie. you can't hang a wire between two buildings).

For me it's a cool way to test signal (locked and error status) for the receiver chip I'm playing with.
 

JAT

macrumors 603
Dec 31, 2001
6,473
124
Mpls, MN
The TOSlink optical cable is already superior to wire because it's
not vulnerable to electromagnetic interference.
Are you sure about that? Most audiophiles disagree and would tear you a new one for such a horrible statement. Bow before the wire!
 

xArtx

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 30, 2012
764
1
Are you sure about that? Most audiophiles disagree and would tear you a new one for such a horrible statement. Bow before the wire!

I wouldn't have thought so. It is the same digital signal inside the CD player
or whatever device before it is ever transmitted on wire.

Perhaps it has been shown that optical introduces more errors into the bitstream.
I'd still be surprised.
I will be able to find that out by counting errors from the decoder.
 

xArtx

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 30, 2012
764
1
Got the amp today:

IMG_0920_zps35670300.jpg


It's mostly two radios (AM & SW), a lot of this is insignificant to the amp.

IMG_0923_zps20a45b80.jpg


I do need to replace a valve that is in abundant supply and cheap,
and all electrolytic capacitors, but other than that, should be good to go :)

The DAC is also my first custom PCB :)
I have had them manufactured, but never done one myself.

It is the optical connection that can isolate the modern digital device from the
high voltage, and unpredictable 1950's valve amp.
 

JAT

macrumors 603
Dec 31, 2001
6,473
124
Mpls, MN
Optical requires 2 extra conversions, so more chance for issues. People like to whine about jitter.
 
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