Hello
How do I connect my Volumio Rivo to my Gustard X30 with I2S cable ?
looking at the user manual of the Gustard X30, you can use the IIS-G input on the DAC for connecting it to the Rivo Plus I2S output with a high-quality HDMI cable (the shorter the cable, the better)
On the Rivo Plus playback option page, just select Gustard in the “I2S HDMI Mode” drop-down list, then save.
I don’t have the Rivo Plus
I just have the Rivo.
So…
The Rivo has no I2S. You can connect the USB output to a DDC, that can convert it to I2S (and in the process improve the clocking of the digital stream). Cheapest option is the SMSL PO100 PRO USB Digital Interface. But Gustard also sells it’s own DDC.
Is it worth connecting via I2S ?
Or will be the same results thank keeping with Rivo USB ?
Hi Pablo
I am not sure if you should complicate things by adding something in between the Rivo and your DAC such as a DDC just to use the I2S on your DAC. A direct I2S connection from source to DAC is the best option and if you love the Rivo, than a Rivo Plus would be a great upgrade. I have previously used a Denafrips Hermes DDC between my DAC (Pontus) and my streamer (Project) using I2S and the DAC and TBH, I cannot discern any ‘upgrade’ in sound as compared to a direct USB connection from streamer to DAC. Perhaps my system was not resolving enough. I have also tried several HDMI cables for I2S from Ricable, Audioquest and Argento, nada differences. So at the end of it all, if you seriously want an I2S connection, my recommendation is to only use one between the source and the DAC. Cheers.
Thanks a lot Thimmy
Also; I asume that a Rivo, even when not Plus, is a Rivo. One of the best streamers available.
In paper analysis is supposed that USB was the best connection. And at the end the streamer gets the clock signal from the DAC
So, we should have an excellent clock.
Thanks again
The Rivo Plus is fundamentally a Rivo but with testosterone. The motherboard layout has been modified to add a new I2S output, new MEMS clock, new controller for the SPDIF outputs and a modified power supply section in the absence of an on /off switch. They have also upgraded their USB circuitry and reduce the dependency on the CPU for processing when running SPDIF outputs. Cheers.