Hi all,
Just to shortly recap this thread, we have the proto boards back from production and now we are working on the FPGA and MCU software. Once the software has been finalized it will take 5-6 weeks to full availability, again via JVB. They already have a pre-registration form. Use this form to make sure you get a board from the first batch.
Any questions, please ask here.
Regards,
Pavel

What features got implemented?
Volume control? How is that done? (Bit-depth, quality the same level as ESS SABRE digital volume control?)
Some filters changeable from Oppo menu?

Will there be an AES/EBU output version?

Yes, the concept of AES output will be the same as for the previous versions, but the output circuit modification will be much easier.
From the extra features we will most likely implement the volume control (dithered with full 24 bit accuracy) and filter selection from the player's menu and a multi channel I2S output on an on-board header.
Regards,
Pavel

Hi guys,
I guess I owe you some update. We are about to sign off the VanityHD203 board - hardware as well as software. There are a few new features:
- On-board I2S header. 8 channel I2S with the same data coming from the main (SPDIF) outputs. There is a dedicated masterclock signal as well. Physically it is a 14 pin IDC header (see the photo above). The I2S output can be enabled/disabled via DIP switches.
- Full range volume control with 32 bit resolution (0.001dB accuracy at -120dB and TPDF dithering). The operational range is determined by the OPPO and its volume setting for 0-100% range. At 100% volume the data path is bit-accurate. The feature can be enabled/disabled via DIP switches.
- DSD to PCM conversion filter characteristics selectable from the player's menu. You don't have to keep the top lid off for experimenting with the filters any more.

Now, since we have one spare proto-board, it can be sent to some one for in-field testing. It should be someone with a decent multi channel setup (DACs, amps and speakers), ability to test/evaluate the I2S output and some spare time so we can have some feedback say within a week. Are there any volunteers?

Thank you.

Regards,
Pavel

Thank you everyone for your help and offers for testing the Vanity 203HD board. We already have picked someone to carry out the in-field testing.

Regards,
Pavel

Nice! I will buy this card for sure.
Since I have been the one asking for all these features that in the end got implemented, I have been contributing, so I should be eligible for a big discount, right?!

Hi all,
Everyone who contributed with feature suggestions, here is a small thank you:
[url=http://www.jvbdigital.nl/jvb.asp?level=sdi&curpage=&page=title&searchtype=&searchstring=&title=970]Vanity[sup]203[/sup]HD Introductory Discount[/url].
The offer might get extended, but don't hesitate.

Regards,
Pavel

Pavel,

Congratulations on the release and thanks for the intro discount. If I want to use I2S and go from the Oppo 203 to a PS Audio Directstream, what type of cable is needed, and would you please list any/some examples that you might recommend? In your opinion, in this application do you hear sonic differences from different cables?

Thanks,

Dave

Hi Dave,
We have one of the prototype boards with a guy from this forum and he will trial the I2S link between the Vanity203 and his DACs for us and everyone else. In theory the I2S should give a better sound for dozen of reasons, let's see how the trial goes.
If you look into the User manual (another thread), you will see that the I2S output is provided on an on-board connector with 3V3 CMOS signaling. You will most probably need to use off the shelf modules to convert that to HDMI or Ethernet type links that your DAC can accept. Hopefully we will be able to provide some app note regarding to the I2S link what is needed and how to put it together to make it work.

Regards,
Pavel