Genelec Community Forum has been archived

Thank you for all the years of Community discussions and activity!

The time has come for us to retire the community forums, but we will keep everything available for reading. There is a lot of valuable content written over the years, and you'll be able to access all of that. However, no new posts can be written, or old posts modified.

If you have questions, we recommend you use the Support function on the bottom right corner to contact our Customer Support directly.

Alternatively, if you wish to engage in a community discussion with other people, there are many active forums available. There is also an active, fan managed GENELEC COMMUNITY in Facebook, and many Genelec employees are active in the discussions there.

We are sorry for any possible inconvenience this may cause you, but we hope to hear from you through the other channels mentioned above.

Genelec Support

Message Boards

Digital I/O for 8351A

all-digital-i-o, modified 7 Years ago.

Digital I/O for 8351A

Youngling Posts: 1 Join Date: 10/20/15 Recent Posts
Hi,

I'm about to purchase a pair of 8351A for living room use.

My problem is I would like to keep the signal all digital, i.e. using the AES/EBU input on the 8351A. Really difficult to find the hardware.

My setup includes/will include the following devices:

1) PC - output from either USB or SPDIF
2) Streaming box (Aurender N100H / Auralic Aries / Bluesound Node 2.0) - output either USB or SPIDF
3) TV - output Toslink
4) Xbox 360 (PS4 will be purchased soon) - output currently to TV through HDMI (which then outputs through toslink)

Is there a relatively cheap all digital / input output device that could handle the four (/three) above inputs AND have an AES/EBU output?
Ideally, I'd like to control the volume with the Genelec 9101a wireless volume control.
(http://www.genelec.com/studio-monitors/outboard-products/9101a-wireless-volume-controller)

Alternatively (and I really would prefer to avoid this), could you recommend a few different good pre-amps with above digital inputs and then balanced XLR output if I have to go with the DA/AD path?

In case I go the analog way, then the pre-amp must include remote control, and must be able to decode DSD (x1, x2, the more the better) (and yes I know the Genelec's can't decode internally DSD)? Plus would be a good heaphone amp built in as well.

Thanks in advance.

PS. Volume control on the PC through GLM software is absolutely a no go, the setup needs to have a high WAF as it's a living room setup and I'm not the only user
ilkka-rissanen, modified 7 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Yoda Posts: 2564 Join Date: 3/23/09 Recent Posts
Hi,

Unfortunately I am only aware of two extremely expensive AV processors which have AES/EBU outputs: Datasat RS20i and Trinnov Altitude 32.

If you can live with analogue outputs, Rotel RC-1570 could be a good candidate. 2 coax inputs, 2 toslink inputs, 1x USB input, balanced XLR outputs: http://www.rotel.com/NA/Products/Produc ... htm?id=515 But it does not support DSD.

McIntosh D150 has same connections and DSD support:
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Products ... uctId=D150

Mytek Stereo 192 DSD could also be one option:
https://mytekdigital.com/hifi/products/ ... 92dsd-dac/

One different option could be to use simple 4x1 toslink switch and add toslink to coax converter and AES/EBU impedance transformer. That would preserve digital signal all the way to speakers.

http://www.lindy.co.uk/audio-video-c2/s ... itch-p2734
http://www.lindy.co.uk/audio-video-c2/c ... rter-p2732
http://www.amazon.com/Neutrik-NADITBNC- ... B005TE710Y
wooderson, modified 7 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Youngling Posts: 9 Join Date: 10/21/15 Recent Posts
Hi there,

I'm using my 8351A with a MUTEC MC3Plus: http://www.mutec-net.com/product_mc-3-plus.php

It's basically a reclocker and an D-to-D interface as it has three switchable inputs und different digital outputs (also AES/EBU). It also claims to enhance the sound quality because it reduces jitter from incoming sources via recklocking the signal. There is an upcoming version with USB input so you could connect a PC directly. It's not cheap though but rather a complete solution in a small package.
ilkka-rissanen, modified 7 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Yoda Posts: 2564 Join Date: 3/23/09 Recent Posts
This is more expensive than a basic switch but it does have AES/EBU output.

http://www.canford.co.uk/Products/57-46 ... te-control
wooderson, modified 7 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Youngling Posts: 9 Join Date: 10/21/15 Recent Posts
also an option to stay less expensive, but limited to 3 inputs: http://www.lake-people.de/produktdetails/C430.html
talex, modified 7 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Padawan Posts: 41 Join Date: 8/27/15 Recent Posts
Hi,

I had a similar problem with yours, trying to connect several sources to my 8330s via digital only connection and wanting to bypass an AV Receiver.
I needed to connect a MAC a PS4, a TV cablebox and an Apple TV.

As all of them have some sort of optical output (toslink or spdif via converter to toslink), i'm using:
- a toslink switch: http://www.lindy.co.uk/audio-video-c2/s ... itch-p2734
- a toslink to aes converter: http://hosatech.com/product/odl-312/
And so i can feed the 8330s with digital signal from multiple sources and control volume wirelessly.

All switching is done trough the toslink switch.
All the sources must be able to perform downmixing on their own. On the MAC, that function is done by a software blueray player http://www.macblurayplayer.com/ . The PS4 and others are capable of downmixing to stereo without a problem.

All working well. I've compared the setup to a dedicated USB-AES interface from my MAC and i can hear no difference :-)
mutec-marketing, modified 7 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Youngling Posts: 6 Join Date: 3/23/15 Recent Posts
Hi there,

I'm using my 8351A with a MUTEC MC3Plus: http://www.mutec-net.com/product_mc-3-plus.php

It's basically a reclocker and an D-to-D interface as it has three switchable inputs und different digital outputs (also AES/EBU). It also claims to enhance the sound quality because it reduces jitter from incoming sources via recklocking the signal. There is an upcoming version with USB input so you could connect a PC directly. It's not cheap though but rather a complete solution in a small package.


The MUTEC MC-3+ is indeed a great choice that will deliver exceptional signal quality to your Genelec speakers. However, it won't be able to accommodate the four source you mentioned at a time. As Wooderson mentioned we're just about to release the new MC-3+USB, which would allow you to connect the PC via USB, the streaming box via S/P-DIF, and one of the Toslink sources. All you'd need in addition would be a Toslink to AES converter like the one mentioned above and you'd have a simple yet extremely audiophile monitoring solution. The cool thing is that the re-clocking feature will clean-up and improve your digital audio signal from less than great sources. Keep your eyes open for the official release on www.mutec-net.com in the next couple of weeks!
mutec-marketing, modified 7 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Youngling Posts: 6 Join Date: 3/23/15 Recent Posts
By the way, MUTEC has just announced that the new MC-3+ Smart Clock USB will start shipping on November 20th! The MC-3+ Smart Clock USB is setting a new benchmark for clocking technology and the reproduction of digital audio by uniquely combining an audiophile USB interface with an audio re-clocker and a highest-grade master clock in perfection! Particularly designed for the demands of high-end consumer audio, the device expands a new sonic universe with increased musicality, clarity, and precision.
manutal, modified 7 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Jedi Knight Posts: 180 Join Date: 4/25/14 Recent Posts
Today I got the Trinnov 32 16 channel with the codec packs (atmos,auro3d) @ 7.2.4 w/ 8260 front 8351 Center surround 8x8330 and subs 7260 and 7270, will be 2x 7270 though. Got to say this is a really sick setup, cant be more pleased :D So much you can do. Ahh, nothing to upgrade anymore.

Btw, if your planning to keep runnng only a stereo or 2.1 then I would probably not choose the trinnov. altitude.
1038, modified 7 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Jedi Master Posts: 340 Join Date: 4/6/09 Recent Posts
Congrats on the Trinnov, you have a stunning system, now you can just sit back and worry about what movies and concerts you are going to watch... You are a lucky man :)
manutal, modified 7 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Jedi Knight Posts: 180 Join Date: 4/25/14 Recent Posts
Thanks man! :) getting all the Dolby Atmos/Auro3D content I can get my hands on for sure! :D
1038, modified 7 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Jedi Master Posts: 340 Join Date: 4/6/09 Recent Posts
Do you have any images you want to share of your room and your speaker layout?? ;)
manutal, modified 7 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Jedi Knight Posts: 180 Join Date: 4/25/14 Recent Posts
Sure man, this room is not the final room but it looks like this for now. :ugeek:
http://imgur.com/a/3Jykf
nachjos, modified 6 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Padawan Posts: 41 Join Date: 10/21/16 Recent Posts
I use Auralic Aries > Digital Out (AES) > 8351 (Digital In)

Volume Control with GLM Adapter and Genelec 9101 wireless remote.

Usability? Great, all you need (Volume +/-, Mute)!
Sound? Amazing!

One of the leanest High-End systems.
Just one complaint: Too many cables...
vividireland, modified 6 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Youngling Posts: 20 Join Date: 1/25/17 Recent Posts
Sure man, this room is not the final room but it looks like this for now. :ugeek:
http://imgur.com/a/3Jykf



How did you install the monitors onto the ceiling areas as they look quite big to support.
manutal, modified 6 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Jedi Knight Posts: 180 Join Date: 4/25/14 Recent Posts
With those wall brackets, now I have the 8351As in the roof xD No problems. Just use good anchors and screws for the right material & that support the weight..

Used in old pic with 8330: https://www.thomann.de/fi/genelec_8000_ ... _406824_33
Used in new pic with 8351 : https://www.thomann.de/fi/km_24481_spea ... _384348_86

Some new pics of the room:

http://imgur.com/a/fieGp
vividireland, modified 6 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Youngling Posts: 20 Join Date: 1/25/17 Recent Posts
Hi maNutal,

I have a pair of 8340A's installed onto an internal brick wall using the Genelec 8000-402B adjustable wall mounts which are great. I intend to include another single Genelec 8000-402B mount fixed to a plasterboard/drywall internal wall which may require extra support since the Genelec 8351A's are heavier than the 8340A's.

Did you find any problems installing your 8351A's onto the ceilings due to the weight and how do you find the sound reproduction from them firing down from above (Could they have be fitted upright for your build) do you find the horizontal position sound the same compared to your upright standing 8351A's monitors.

''I have the 8351A's in the roof xD No problems''. (What did you mean by xD) 4 monitors on the ceilings or within your complete system also how long did it take you to complete the overall setup.


Thanks for your reply and images


Regards
manutal, modified 6 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Jedi Knight Posts: 180 Join Date: 4/25/14 Recent Posts
The 8351 were a little bit tricky to get in the roof installed, pretty heavy to install.
You need one friend for sure to help you out, maybe 2 and some steps/latter.
My roof material is gyproc or drywall. I just used good anchors that can support the weight. Ive got 4 anchors that can take ~50kg each so I think its safe. The only thing I hope is that the gyproc will hold but it seems fine ~1month in.. :D
The sound is just fine. Maybe mount them horizontally if possible but I dont think there is a huge difference. I mounted mine upside down. They are only used in movies anyway for producing 3d sound(atmos,dts-x) or when upmixing in neural:x and dolby ofc, and for that these 8351 are excellent.

Some types of anchors for drywall or gyproc:

https://www.google.fi/search?q=gyproc+a ... 20&bih=950

I used these : Toggler snapskru sp

https://www.google.fi/search?q=gyproc+a ... pskru+sp&*

xD just a smiley.. :)
Oh and I have done changes in steps, First I changed the ceiling speakers from 4x 8330 to 4x 8351. That took ~4h.
Then I turned my room two weeks later 90degrees and made some larger changes in the 9.3 region, acoustic treatment etc. It took about 20h overall over 2 days.
vividireland, modified 6 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Youngling Posts: 20 Join Date: 1/25/17 Recent Posts
To maNutal,

How different are the 8330's compared to the 8351's for sound quality.

"They are only used in movies anyway for producing 3d sound(atmos,dts-x) or when upmixing in neural:x and dolby ofc, and for that these 8351 are excellent''.

Any thoughts on introducing (atmos,dts-x) into the overall setup.


Thanks
manutal, modified 6 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Jedi Knight Posts: 180 Join Date: 4/25/14 Recent Posts
The 8351 have a larger sound picture and more dynamics = better sound overall compared to the 8330.

Introducing atmos/dts-x is always a good choice ;) I dont think you do much with ceiling speakers without it, ofc theres auro 3d but..

What kind of system do you have now? Just the 8340A's for the moment or ?
vividireland, modified 6 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Youngling Posts: 20 Join Date: 1/25/17 Recent Posts
Just the 8340A's for the moment but hope to add the 8351A as a secondary sound source
I use them in a small studio environment for recording and listening to music.

Regards
manutal, modified 6 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Jedi Knight Posts: 180 Join Date: 4/25/14 Recent Posts
ok, so your going to add a second stereo pair to your room, I figured you were going for a multichannel setup.
vividireland, modified 6 Years ago.

Re: Digital I/O for 8351A

Youngling Posts: 20 Join Date: 1/25/17 Recent Posts
Still deciding!

Regards