Does anyone here have any experience using a signal splitter on a S/PDIF output? Coax or optical. Alternatively, rather than using a signal splitter, would using an external switch be a better idea? My universal disc player only has two S/PIDF outs (1 coax 1 optical) and I want to send the 2 channel output to 3 separate DACs. This could be a temporary setup, but it also could be permanent if there are no SQ diminution issues with it. I won’t go into why the HDMI output is not a viable option at this time.
You can’t split TosLink like that.
COAX … maybe.
You’ll end up getting a drop in signal and pick up a bit of noise.
Since you’re such an audiophile… that’s going to sting a bit.
You want to go to 3 different DACs you’re going to have to flip cables.
They may sell powered devices that will let you split the signal… but again… its less than ideal.
There is no shortage of solutions for splitting Toslink, either passive or active. But you get right to the point, is there audible signal degradation? That is why I also asked about a switch. Yes I thought about taping the two Toslink or Coax cables together a couple of inches away from the terminations to make the switching of cables easier, and I have not ruled it out.
I found this on the subject, which is probably nothing new to you.
Yes, a Toslink signal splitter (optical distributor) for controlling three DACs makes perfect sense if it is active (with power supply). It is a cost-effective and efficient solution for sending a single optical signal (e.g., from a TV or CD player) to three different audio devices or DACs simultaneously.
Here are the most important points explaining why this is useful and what you should pay attention to:
Advantages
Lossless transmission: Active splitters distribute the light signal without compromising audio quality.
No noise: Since Toslink uses an optical signal, there is no electromagnetic interference or ground loops (humming).
Simultaneous use: All three DACs are supplied with the same signal at the same time.
Functionality: This is a plug-and-play device that usually does not require any configuration.
Important requirements
Active power supply: Be sure to use a splitter with USB or power supply (often referred to as a 1x3 splitter or 1-in-3-out). Passive “Y-cables” often result in excessive signal loss.
Supported formats: These splitters typically support LPCM 2.0 (stereo), DTS, and Dolby Digital. High-resolution formats such as 7.1 Dolby TrueHD or Dolby Digital Plus are often not supported.
Cable lengths: Good quality optical cables can transmit up to 15-40 meters, but the connection to the splitter and from there to the DACs should be kept short to maximize stability.
https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/yxs7zn/the_toslink_switch/?tl=de
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Sure you can do this…
I’ve never had the need to do this so I never really looked at it.
Even w a powered splitter… you will add “noise”. (Yes I know its a digital signal. But you’re going from optical to digital to optical again. So your digital circuit is a weak point here. )
How much noise is debatable.
In something like the Tellabs 3-1/1-1 Titan Switch, you wouldn’t notice it. (e.g. 3 way calling) [Noise issues came from outside the switch] They could have added a listen only option in the GM and PM code. [ To the best of my knowledge… that feature wasn’t added. At least in v 1.0 and earlier work]
And if you did this w COAX even w a powered solution, there would be the risk of noise.
Since you mentioned 3 DACs, if you were just comparing dacs for testing… ok fine. But if you’re talking about using it longer term… the noise could be an issue. Meaning you’re spending $$$ on DACs only to degrade the signal.
Seriously?!
No direct experience but something like this or this should work. A passive device is unlikely to be any good, if it even works at all.
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I thought that Toslink has more interface induced jitter than coax.
A Toslink led has:
- Finite switching speed.
- Has carrier recombination delay.
- Produces wider pulse edges
- Adds more timing uncertainty
A coax S/PDIF output:
- Is just a voltage pulse
- Driven by a fast logic buffer or line driver
- Has very sharp edges (nanosecond scale)
- So electrically coax transitions are steeper.
Optically Toslink edges are rounded.
Maybe it’s negligible I’m not sure.