Hi Russ, et al,

I am considering building up a Buffalo II for use with a computer based server setup. As I want to achieve the best possible performance, I am considering using a Hiface Evo as the computer interface. As I want to avoid SPDIF, I am wondering what might be required to implement I2S connection between the Evo and the Buffalo II. Here is some info on the Evo's I2S output from it's manual:

"The I2S output provides raw I2S data out of the hiFace Evo on an RJ-45 socket. It has no
galvanic isolation so its ground connection is same as the USB one. Pinout is as follows
(pins are listed from left to right):
2,4,6,8) Ground
1) SDATA
3) LRCK
5) SCLK
7) MCLK
Lines are driven by high-speed, high-current buffers capable of 25mA current drive on
each line.

Would this require some kind of I2S receiver on the DAC side? If so, do you think TP would be interested in developing an I2S receiver to suit the I2S output of the Evo? I suspect that providing isolation via transformer coupling or optocouplers would be a good idea. I think the Evo is going to be a very popular device, and its I2S output is a feature that seems to offer a better way to interface with a DAC, so it might be good idea for TP to offer a good solution for the B-II and Evo/I2S.

Yes, the Buffalo accepts I2S, DSD and S/PDIF directly, so all you need to do it wire it up (see the user manual for connection details). You will not get galvanic isolation, but that is likely not going to be an issue.