Adding optical output to a headunit?

[Sarthos 10+ year member]

I read online a little while ago an article about how to add an optical output to a stereo for only 6 bucks. But the domain expired now so I haven't been able to try it. Has anyone actually done this? I got an Eclipse DSP with 24 bit DAC, but then realized my CD changer only has a 1-bit DAC. That's why, if it's possible, I'd like to bypass the weaker 1 bit converter and run digital up to my processor so I'll have 24-bit processing. If anybody has some advice on this, it'd be much appreciated.

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[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

1-bit DACs are not necessarily inferior to 24 bit. They came about for a reason.

 

[Sarthos 10+ year member]

Not necessarily inferior is true. Normally they aren't quite as good. However, running a 1-bit DAC, then a 24-bit ADC, then a 24-bit DAC is definitely inferior to just running the 24-bit DAC.

 

[Wingman0121 10+ year member]

Are there any amps that can accept a digital signal?

 

[Sarthos 10+ year member]

There are some. Not using any though. My headunit uses an external DSP though which has optical inputs. I'd like to add an optical output to my CD changer so the signal only goes through the 24 bit DAC, not the 1 bit DAC on the changer->24 bit ADC on the DSP -> 24 bit DAC on the DSP.

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

The real question is "who the hell uses a changer anymore?"

 

[dumple 5,000+ posts]

I don't see the point of this when in the long run ur still sending an analog signal to the amplifier

 

[Sarthos 10+ year member]

The real question is "who the hell uses a changer anymore?"

Irrelevant to the actual topic, but I do. I actually just bought a 6 disc in-dash changer because I don't like swapping out CDs everyday, and because I hate MP3 players.

I don't see the point of this when in the long run ur still sending an analog signal to the amplifier

I suppose I'll just repeat myself rather than expect people to actual read anything in the thread. My changer uses a 1 bit DAC out to my DSP. The DSP then uses a 24 bit ADC to take in the signal, perform time alignment and EQ features, etc. The DSP then uses a 24 bit DAC to output to my amp. My problem is that each stage results in some signal degradation. If possible, I'd like to use a digital output and bypass the 1 bit DAC on my changer and the 24 bit ADC on my DSP. That way I only have a single conversion, meaning I will have less signal degradation.

Edit: Oh cool. The page is back up

http://www.turboegt.com/Audio/Car%20Audio/Car%20Audio%20Main.htm