Optical output | S/PDIF

Creators & Developers Expansion Card
1

There are a few hits on this topic, but no one mentioning the specific issue I am bumping up against.

Preparing a listening space for use with a DAC with digital signal processing (DSP) includes adjusting the output for the space - which will have unique reflection/absorption of sound based on all kinds of variables from the type of paint on the walls to where/what kind of fabrics on furniture/carpet/curtains.

Software tools for doing this include Room Equalization Wizard (REW), Cavern’s QuickEQ, and rePhase. The DAC+DSP I use has an optical output connector for the data from computer.

It is possible to use an adapter cable, USB - S/PDIF, but it would be preferable to have an expansion card — probably one with the connector external to the framework 13 body à la the ethernet port expansion card — in the bandolier, ready to be slotted in at need.

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2

This could probably be done with a new audio expansion card which integrates a combo 3.5mm analog with optical SPDIF out - see TOSLINK - Wikipedia

3

I would like to see input and output for both S/PDIF and TOSLINK. Input of S/PDIF is e.g. useful for capturing digital sound from Pioneer DJ mixers.

If input and output is too complicated, than input or output which can be switched in software or by a mechanical switch it that is more practical. Perhaps even a switch with the options off/input/output

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Perhaps HiFiBerry or miniDSP would be interested in this.

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4

See:

5

Come and think of it, this would be ideal:

  1. 3.5 mm TRRS audio jack port for analog stereo out and analog mono in (e.g. headset).
  2. switch for input/output and a coaxial S/DPIF port
  3. switch for input/output and a TOSLINK port
6

Probably the form factor of the Ethernet card is needed.

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7

Some old MacBooks had a combined 3.5mm jack for analog audio and mini TOSLINK so it might be possible in a standard form factor.

8

I believe that one of them was the mid 2012 macbook pro, if one were to de-solder the combo aux and toslink port it may possible to solder it onto a cheap usb-c to aux adapter or even dac

9

I have an old minidisc and portable cd player that both have these combined ports so you could transfer songs in either analog or optical. They were more common than most realize.

I would love for Framework to make a module like this as my speakers have TOSLINK.

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10

I’d also like to see a digital sound output. I have a framework desktop.. no pins for that on the mainboard at all. I like the high quality output.. currently use an older Samsung monitor/TV that has a Toslink out.. but but virtually no monitors have that.. even very expensive OLED monitors. None of the HDMI or Display Port (or USB) ports are recognized as sound outputs so the only option is an HDMI splitter or an external DAC converter.. which means another piece of junk sitting on my desk.

11

My current solution is a USB-A to S/PDIF cable that has the adapter hardware somewhere in the middle. Works pretty well.

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