The TDA1541A story continues, and during a couple of the next weeks, the S4 DAC will be succeeded by the S5.
The S5 brings better connectivity, by adding an S/PDIF optical (Toslink) and I2S/PCM direct (HDMI connector) inputs. Its USB stage is 4-channel capable, with a third and fourth channel available as a decoded digital PCM output (Philips simultaneous data protocol, again at HDMI connector), so two S5 units connected by HDMI cable can also make a 4-channel USB DAC.
The audio design remains firmly on the principles set with The Model, Model S, and Model S USB, and later general move to the SMD world, introduced with S4. The main improvement brought by the S5, with regard to the S4, is in its lower supply noise.
The S5 will fully take over by the end of February. Its regular price will be 2200 EUR, and the optional transformer coupled output, either RCA or XLR, adds 150 EUR to it.
The presale, with a 15% introductory discount, starts this week. S5 units bought this way are estimated to start shipping in the last week of February.
By this, the S4 is phasing out, and its price goes 10% down, while it is available.
See also:
S5 main page
A-link (PCM / I2S direct) specifications
Recent S5 update (2022)
S5 2024 updates (S5b)
As said above, both the I2S / PCM direct input, and USB stage third and fourth channel output use an HDMI connector.
The pinout is compatible with some other manufacturers’ devices, however please note that, as opposed to some of them, the S5 uses TTL / CMOS levels here, nominally 3.3 V, and not LVDS. Nominally means that 3.3 V is the USB 3 & 4 ch output voltage, and also a recommended voltage for I2S / PCM input, even though this input can accept any voltage between 2.3 V and 5 V (and probably somewhat beyond these, but this is what is for now “guaranteed”).
The I2S / PCM direct input can accept either I2S (FS up to 96 kHz for now) or Philips simultaneous data protocol (FS up to 384 kHz).
The USB 3 & 4 ch output is Philips simultaneous data protocol. The load is not that critical, however please note that this output is not designed to drive 75 or 50 Ohm terminated lines. Also, it is anyhow recommended to use the shortest possible cable here, possibly a few tens of cm, and less than 0.5 m if any feasible.
EDIT: For more information and complete Audial I2S / PCM direct connection (a.k.a. A-link) specifications, please read this topic.
And, some more words on the S5 connections.
On the far right side, there is a mains socket, and 110-120, 220-240, and 100 VAC (Japan) S5 versions are available.
The main part of the backplate is taken by the digital connections. First, there is a USB input, and then the HDMI connector, which carries the third and fourth channel output from USB, decoded to Philips simultaneous protocol.
The left of these is the S/PDIF group, which includes the electrical (BNC) and optical (Toslink) input connectors, and also a PLL mode switch. This is the same feature that was available at D-09 DAC, and it makes the S/PDIF PLL either operate a classic way, or lock to the preamble. I posted more info about this, in the old diyhifi.org days.
http://www.diyhifi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1879#p40245
Then, there is a direct input (HDMI connector), which can accept either I2S or Philips simultaneous data protocol.
On the left, you will find analog outputs. Capacitors coupled RCA output is normally included to every S5, and left of it, there may be (optional) transformers coupled RCA or XLR.
And, on the far left side, there is a ground connector. This ground is the chassis ground, and it might be useful for cable shielding, or system grounding.
What happens with 24 bit Qobuz files from my Bluesound streamer? Are they downsampled to 16 bits?
The TDA1541A DAC chip used in the S5 is, of course, a 16-bit chip, but there is no bit depth conversion in the S5, in terms of active processing i.e. in terms of applying the dither.
That is, the S5 always converts the first 16 bits and just ignores (truncates) the rest.
This applies to all of its inputs. Moreover, at the USB input, the S5 enumerates as a 24-bit unit, so it does not force possible unwanted dithering at the PC / source side either.
HTH
Hi the team of Audial. Clear some points, please.
What is about black color for S5 DAC in future (and when if YES)?
What type of main power supply? Impulse or transformer? There are no inside pics.
Thanks.
Hello,
Black chassis may be done occasionally, on request. It won’t be the regular option for S5 though.
If I understood your second question correctly, the S5 has an entirely linear, and not switching supply (so no AC-to-DC nor DC-to-DC converters there).
Regards
I meant a classic power supply with a transformer. Or two/three transformers. Like this
https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Wadia-9-PS-inside-Image0411_550pix.jpg
The S5 has two toroidal transformers in its supply. One is the isolation transformer, which also provides balanced AC power, and the second is the voltage transformer.
This part of the supply is inherited from its predecessors – The Model, Model S, Model S USB (which had EI transformers), and S4. It should not be a problem to find their interior pictures at this or other sites.
Is the Philips simultaneous data protocol available as output with usb, i2s and s/pdif inputs or is your upcoming usb device for conversion required?
If i2s is possible can i get a HDMI cable that fits with my different DDC pin out?
My DDC provides 2 presets (zip). I use the reverse with my current DAC.
A HDMI cable from DDC to Philips simultaneous data protocol wouldn’t work. The source must be Philips simultaneous data protocol as well?
Which devices are necessary to get the benefits of the Philips simultaneous data protocol?
The PCM signal available at S5 output HDMI connector is always 3rd and 4th channel from the USB source, and output protocol is Philips simultaneous data.
Audial dedicated USB interface board (another series release is postponed for 2022) is also USB input only. However, instead of the Philips simultaneous data protocol, it can also output I2S and S/PDIF.
Generally, we can supply custom-made HDMI cables.
Such custom cables will solve different pinouts at two ends, but please note that both devices should still use the same protocol, and comply with the same voltage specifications.
Please also note that the S5, at its PCM direct (HDMI) input, can accept both Philips simultaneous data, and I2S.
Regarding Philips simultaneous data compliant devices, the choice boils down to the Audial stuff, or some sort of DIY, based on the vintage Philips equipment. The future Audial devices will however surely continue to support both this protocol, and external PCM connections over HDMI connector as specified half a year ago (the specifications will be updated soon).
HTH
Regarding the I2S input in the simplest terms, is the S5 compatible with the Denafrips Gaia DDC and if so can you supply a HDMI cable that would link the two together?
I am sorry, but I am not familiar with that unit. To tell if it will work with S5 or not, I would need to know at least its HDMI pinout and output voltage.
Hi! May I know if there’s a significant quality difference between the optical and usb/bnc input? I have a portable audio player with optical out and wonder if it is a feasible source for the S5. Thank you.
Hello Fernando,
As you might know, the optical connection is in fact a S/PDIF, transferred as light (turning on/off), instead of as a voltage (swinging up/down). In comparison to the usual coax S/PDIF (here BNC), it includes the optical transmitter at the source, and the optical receiver at the end (DAC) device, to transfer the same signal in the optical form.
Consequently, the optical connection will be as good as the source and optical interface get.
Practically speaking, the optical connection is normally good for providing galvanic isolation between devices, but since it takes additional hardware, and said optical modules can be jittery, it is usually one step behind a properly implemented coaxial S/PDIF.
It however can perform fine, and I often enjoy watching movies and TV with my STB unit optical output connected to S5.
Also, please note that the S5 S/PDIF stage PLL (applies also to the optical input) has two modes of operation, and its pre-amble lock can be helpful with sub-optimal sources.
HTH
Hi Pedja ,
1.For the moment I am using cd transport with dac to play RedBook via normal
digital cable as a connection for both units. As faar I have noticed there is no
digital connection with your C5 DAC via digital cable. Please, tel me how I can
connect my CD Transport with your DAC C5 to listen CD ?
2. Looking on the back of C5 dac on the left side are always 1 pair rca outputs
and you can add as well one more pair rca or XLR outputs. Is this XLR outputs
is fully balanced to connect with preamp ?
3. Is C5 DAC is top of the line and it is the same philosophy as Aya 5 DAC ?
Are they have tubes inside and which DAC from this two sound more analog
and natural ? I know they are both using TDA 1541A chip . Thank you for your answer. Best Regards.
Hello Valerian,
The S5 has four inputs, and they are all digital ones, but since you are referring to the CD, I guess your question is about the S/PDIF (Sony / Philips Digital Interface) input.
Although most devices employing S/PDIF use RCA connectors, the S5 DAC, just as the other Audial DACs, in order to achieve specified 75 Ohm impedance, use a BNC connector. Having said this, you can use your RCA cable and RCA to BNC adapter (we’ve been shipping such an adapter with DACs before) – and it will work. Yet, it is always better to strive to achieve constant (75 Ohm) impedance across the whole interface. This will minimize reflections within the interface, and thus will also minimize the jitter.
The additional XLR output is always transformer-coupled, with both poles floating, and that way it carries the balanced signal.
Yes, the S5 is still the top-of-the-line Audial DAC. All the Audial devices are solid-state and do not use tubes. You can find more about the differences between the S5 and AYA 5 in my posts from 3rd October 2021.
https://www.audialonline.com/blog/aya-5/comment-page-1/#comment-5211
Regards
Hello Pedja ,
Thank you so much for the details regarding of use analog RCA inputs via BNC
adapter from one side of the unit. It’s great news because I think seriously
to buy from you Audial S5 DAC with XLR and RCA outputs . I have to organized
myself in a few days time and let you know by personal email message.
If you can pass me details about I will be apreciate. Thank you.
With Kind Regards
Valerian
Hello Valerian,
I am not sure if that was a typo, but the S5 does not have analog but only digital inputs.
You can use the contact page for all inquiries, or e-mail me directly to pedja at audialonline dot com.
Regards
Hello Pedja
Been following Audial for some time, Owned one of the model S USB and an S3, I currently find myself in the market for a DAC once again. What is the turn around time from Payment to shipping, of an S5 with both standard RCA, and Balanced Transformer coupled ?
Next I would really like to have standard cap coupled RCA, and Both RCA and Balanced as Transformer coupled. I realize this is probably not possible. But Could I use one of the Balanced to RCA adapters and get full sound quality this way ?
Many Thanks
Joseph
Hello Joseph,
Currently, the S5 lead time is two weeks.
We did make such S DACs on request before, so with three sets of outputs, however, this won’t be possible with S5, simply because at its backplate there is no place for the third pair of connectors.
But yes, with S5 XLR output, which is transformer coupled and floating, you can use its pin 3 as a ground, and pin 2 as a signal for RCA connection.
Regards
Any familiarity with the Audio-GD DI-20HE DDC linked to this DAC via I2S? Output specifications are 3.3V LDVS @ 100 ohms. Furthermore, this DDC had adjustable I2S pinouts (ref: http://www.audio-gd.com/R2R/DI20HE/DI20HEEN_Use.htm)
Would you happen to know from Audio-GD’s documentation which option would be optimal for the S5?
Thanks!
Hello Ash,
Not being familiar with this product, I would say its “4th display element” set to “2” would make its pin-out compatible with the S5 A-link I2S input. The S5 will, of course, ignore the negative poles.
Regarding the voltage, the expression “3.3 V LVDS” is somewhat misleading. Although I am not aware of any strict rule as to what the “Low Voltage” actually is, it should be colloquially something below 1 V (and most usually it is something between 0.1 and 0.5 V). Anyway, as long as the voltage is 3.3 V, it will fit the S5 A-link I2S input. And 100 Ohm (or 110 Ohm) is just fine.
Regards
Cheers on the quick response! I have one last question that I forgot to include in my original query:
Have you used HQPlayer for external oversampling on the S5? Curious as to which settings would be best on this DAC.
Thanks!
— Ash
I am sorry, I did not use this software before.
But it looks interesting, so I will go and try it soon, in a controlled way, of course. Being some kind of non-oversampling advocate for years, I do prefer software oversampling to the classic one, done in chips.
Some useful resources for setting it up:
* Local installation directory for HQPlayer features a manual, which contains information on available filters and modulators. (You will also find this manual in your ‘Start’ menu on Windows.)
** If you want to use HQPlayer with foobar2000, you will need Virtual Audio Cable. (Alternatives exist, but VAC is the best option in my experience.)
— ‘The HQPlayer thread’ on SBAF is extremely helpful in setting this configuration up. (ref: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/the-hqplayer-thread.11376/)
Good day Pedja. Check your emails letters. Some questions about delivery S5. And what is function xilinx chip inside dac?
Hello Oleg,
I have just sent a reply to your email.
The processor you see in the pictures is XMOS and operates as a USB decoding stage.
Regards
Ok, my mistake, of course XMOS chip. Little pic on phone…
Hello Pedja,
Does the S5 use an analogue filter to het rid of the ultrasonic noise?
Kind regards, Arthur de Boer
Hello Arthur,
The only part that can be considered a lowpass filter is a capacitor bypassing the I/V resistor. It was usually 1 nF, which with 1k5 sets -3 dB point to about 100 kHz, producing also -0.15 dB fall and 10 degrees phase shift at 20 kHz.
In this latest S5 revision this value is even lowered to 470 pF (-3 dB point at about 230 kHz, and -0.03 dB fall and 5 degrees phase shift at 20 kHz).
Please however note that the primary purpose of this capacitor is actually to stabilize the I/V circuit, and its impact on the waveform and filtering effect is mostly negligible.
Regards
Hi, I am a bit confused about the rca v output, I would like a dac with the standard 2.5v output or lower as my pre has a very high gain, my current dac has 4v output and makes my volume control on my pre very narrow before getting too loud.
Has this dac higher voltage output than the standard 2.5v ?
The S5 output voltage is 2.1 V RMS.
Thanks.
Hello, it seems that S5 DAC is not fully balanced, right? I am not engineer, so do not answer using “transformer coupled output” please, because I do not understand the details, unfortunately.
The S5 DAC was never claimed to be balanced.