T8 I2S and SMSL DO200

So I have 14 days before I can no longer return my unit. The issues is the I2S output. I’m sending the signal into a Smsl do200 dac. I stream music via quobuz and listen to DSD music via internal ssd. The issue I am having is when I switch formats the right headphone goes silent and I hear buzzing on the left. Once I switch to another I2S channel on the T8 things clear up until I switch formats again. Sometimes by turning on/off the deck it helps. I’ve tried 3 different hdmi cables shortest length I could find but the issue continues. The USB port work flawlessly even when changing music formats. Is this behavior normal with I2S, should I have to keep switching channels on the T8. This is the only dac that has I2S. Thanks for any help in advance.

 

Why on earth would you choose to use a format that has no agreed standards, audiophile tomfoolery.
Keith

 

I'm also having the same kind of problem with the T8's I2S output connected to the I2S input of my SMSL RAW-DAC1 DAC.

For me, it never works with PCM (distortion on the left channel and no sound on the right channel), but it works with DSD. Regardless of the I2S modes selected on the T8 and the DAC, the problem persists. I've tried four different HDMI cables.

The T8's USB output to my DAC's USB input works perfectly with all stream formats. But I'd really like to use the I2S output; that's why I bought the T8. I'm in contact with Eversolo support, but communication is very slow due to the time difference. I also have 14 days to return it. You should also contact Eversolo support.

 

Let me know what their follow up is, thanks.

 

This kind of comment is not helpful. We buy this device at a fairly high price; this function (I2S) exists, it should work properly.

 

You should also contact support; there will be at least two of us with the same kind of problem, and surely others. If no one complains, nothing much will happen. On the contrary, if several people complain, they can fix the problem more quickly with an update... I'd be curious to know if it's the latest firmware that caused this problem; I can't know for sure since I just got the T8 and I updated it the first time I plugged it in.

 

As Keith pointed out rightfully, there is no established standard for external implementation of this originally internal communication interface. Should we expect it to work properly within brand lines? Absolutely--there should be zero expected issues for T8 feeding DAC1o via IIS when it is released. But should we expect T8 to communicate to other brands' devices over IIS? I think we should just cross our fingers at best in those cases.

-Ed

 

I am afraid it is the same old story, no technical knowledge so believe anything.
What is worse is then manufacturers pander to the nonsense.
Keith

 

But...but...Paul McGowan said it's the bee's knees! /sarcasm

-Ed

 

Exactly, believing a charlatan.
Keith

 

It was acting up before the update as well.

 

I'm not saying you are wandering too far, but you are wandering too far.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Here is the response I received from Eversolo support after several communications:

After testing SMSL we discovered that the datasheet for pin 14 of the IIS input on the SMSL DAC states that it is NC, but in reality, this pin is grounded, causing incompatibility between the two products.

 

I received the exact response from Eversolo support.

 

Look at the Shanling SMT1.3; some of its I2S modes have pin 14 grounded. I asked if they could possibly release an update to fix the problem, and I received a negative response.

 

After reading up on DSD, I learned that those files can require different pin out depending on where it was recorded. Also, PCM to DSD can sometimes require different pinout mapping. I2S is a 40 year old technology with no standard as in DSD recordings. I'm not sure what new DAC to use other than wait for the z10