The I2S connection is the most transparent way to connect digital audio equipment over short distances without use of interfaces like AES/EBU, SPDIF Coax, Toslink or USB. Below you can find the specifications for the LVDS and RJ45 variant.
* Please note that I2S is not a universally adopted standard and normally only used between audio chips on the inside of devices. Multiple forms of connectors and transfer protocols are in circulation and not all of them are compatible. Equipment from other manufacturers is compatible in cases where the connectors, pinout, line impedance, transmission protocol and signal levels are similar. A breakout cable can help in some cases. If you have doubts about compatibility between our and third party devices you may consult us before ordering. Any damage to devices or equipment due to incompatability is not covered by warranty.
I2S-LVDS pinout and information:
The new I2S-LVDS modules make use of the HDMI connector and have a pinout which is compatible with a large number of third party equipment. Note that it is not possible to connect the video output of a TV, BD player or computer to the I2S-LVDS input - the signals transmitted over the cable are not compatible.
| Technical specifications I2S-LVDS | ||
| Cable impedance | 100 Ohms | |
| Loading impedance | 100 Ohms | |
| Signal level | 35mV - 3.3V | |
| Transmission method | Differential | |
| Supported sample rates | 44.1 - 384 kHz |
Known compatibility issues with I2S-LVDS:
- Eversolo DMP-A8 and T8 are compatible. Other Eversolo streamers like the DMP-A6 do have an HDMI connector, but use the HDMI protocol instead of I2S so these are not compatible.
- Pro-ject CD Box RS2 T is not compatible because it needs an external master clock.
I2S-RJ45 pinout and information:
Our I2S-RJ45 implementation is optimized as an interconnection between Metrum Acoustics and Sonnet Digital Audio products. The I2S outputs of the Ambre and Hermes streamers are fully compatible with I2S inputs on the Adagio, Pavane, Jade, Onyx, Amethyst, Pasithea and Morpheus when using the I2S input board and a shielded CAT5 (or higher) RJ45 network cable. All current production Metrum and Sonnet DACs are capable of converting sample rates up to 384kHz on the I2S input. Pasithea has a native I2S-RJ45 input, an additional I2S module can be placed instead of the USB module as well. Below is the specification of pinout, voltage level, line impedance and transmission protocol for Metrum Acoustics and Sonnet Digital Audio equipment:
Metrum Acoustics & Sonnet Digital Audio I2S-RJ45 pinout specification
| # | Name | Function |
| 1 | SDATA | Serial I2S data |
| 2 | GND | Ground |
| 3 | LRCLK | Word Clock |
| 4 | GND | Ground |
| 5 | BCLK | Bit Clock |
| 6 | GND | Ground |
| 7 | MCLK | Master Clock (only used for MQA module) |
| 8 | GND | Ground |
| Voltage level | 3.3 Volt (5 volt tolerant) |
| Impedance | Loading of the data lines can be switched between 100 Ohms and 100 kOhms. With the jumpers in, the loading resistance is 100 Ohm. Without the jumpers, loading resistance is 100 kOhm. To effectively damp oscillations, a series resistance of 10 Ohms is present. |
| Transmission protocol | Single ended |
| Supported sample rates | 44.1 - 384 kHz. |
As service to our customers, below is a list with known compatible I2S-RJ45 devices. If your device is not in this list, please check the information of the other device with the information above before connecting or consult us via email. We will add devices that are compatible.
Known compatible devices:
- Cocktail Audio X50 (Gen 2 and higher)
- Antipodes K50 G3
- M2Tech products with I2S output
- Singxer SU6 (RJ45 connector)
Compatible devices when a custom cable is used (in alphabetical order):
- Aqua audio uses AQlink, so all devices that have this interface are compatible when using a custom cable
- Aqua LaScala MK2 Optologic DAC
- Aqua La Diva CD transport
- Aqua La Voce DAC
- Denafrips Terminator
- Denafrips Avatar
- Denafrips Hermes Digital to Digital Converter
- Denafrips Gaia Digital to Digital Converter
- Denafrips Iris Digital to Digital Converter
- Jay’s Audio CDT3
- Musetec MH-DA005 (I2S-E)
- Rose RS150(B) on RJ45