5 replies to this topic

[jambo]

Hey guys

I am used to older processors like the PRA-H400 and PXA-H600 connected via fiber to the head unit for lossless transport of the signal to the boot, and an Ai Net cable purely for processor control.

I'm putting together a USB/iPod system with one of the IDA units or 9886i so I can run an external processor (PXA-H100). I've researched as much as I can but need a little clarification -- Am I right in assuming that the head unit is connected to the H100 via Ai Net only? and the digital mp3 signal from the head unit is sent digitally down the Ai Net cable to the processor where it is converted to analogue by the 24bit DAC in the H100 and out via the H100's 4v pre-out? I have a spare 6 metre Ai Net cable (about 8 years old), does this mean I could just run this all the way to the boot so the H100 is located there or do I need a special type of Ai Net cable?

Does this then mean the signal is lossless via Ai Net from the head unit to the boot much like using fiber optic cable in older systems?

Thanks! I'm a bit out of touch with today's tech.

Jambo

[Riley.]

not sure about the signal but yes you just need AI net and power/earth for the H100

[jambo]

Thanks for that I might check the rest at my local install store

[shiny_car]

my understanding of the setup is that Ai-NET is only ever suitable for ANALOGUE signal transfer, and is not for digital.

as such, i figure that signal processing occurs at least twice:
1. iPod and CD signals are converted by the HU's DAC to analogue, and sent to the H100 via the Ai-NET cable (in analogue)
2. the H100 reconverts this to digital via its own ADC, then performs 'processing' (ie: EQ, time correction, xovers) in the digital domain, then converts back to analogue via another DAC

the signal is then sent out via the preouts (in analogue) to your amplifiers.

if you hear otherwise (from Alpine techs), please let me know, cos i'm always interested to understand all things Alpine better!

[Pulse-R]

shiny is correct - there are 3 AD/DA stages if you use the H100.

not the best option for extreme SQ.

[jambo]

Thank you Shiny and Pulse-R for taking the time to respond.... what a shame that it's analogue down the Ai Net cable and converted so many times Well I guess that serves me right for going back to systems with other priorities in mind.

I actually visited my local Alpine dealer yesterday and they told me it was digital all the way over Ai Net from the head unit to the boot and converted only once in the H100's DAC, so as always it's good to hear from the experts here.

Cheers