Pink Faun – SPDIF Audio modular PCIe bridge

Computers are increasingly used in high-quality audio reproduction. The major advantage of a computer versus an embedded system is the great freedom and upgrade possibilities that a computer offers. In addition, computers are often equipped with powerful processors for easy processing of DSD streams, DSP settings and/or upsampling.

There are more and more manufacturers who use computer technology in their digital playback devices. Though, the built-in DAC in computers (part of the motherboard) is not sufficient enough to realize a high-quality digital to analog conversion. An external DAC is necessary. The Pink Faun SPDIF bridge realizes a high-quality SPDIF connection between the music computer and the DAC. The Pink Faun SDPIF bridge also works as a filter to eliminate as many negative effects from the computer as possible and to allow a digital signal that is as clean as possible.

Specifications

• SPDIF Outputs (BNC AES/EBU RCA)
• Windows / Linux Compatible
• PCIe card
• OCXO clock optional
• OCXO ULTRA clock optional

modular design

The Pink Faun HEA bridge is the basic card for the SPDIF output. The available SPDIF output options are COAX, BNC, and AES/EBU. In addition to various SPDIF outputs, a word or master clock output is possible to synchronize the HEA bridge and DAC clock. The different SPDIF outputs are separated from the output board which is placed on the HEA bridge. This way, the SPDIF output can easily be adjusted if an upgrade takes place on the DAC side.

Each Pink Faun HEA bridge is clocked with a TCXO clock embedded on the card. Although this clock provides outstanding results, there’s always room to improve. Therefore, the Pink Faun HEA bridge offers a very simple upgrade system for its clock. The clock upgrade is mounted on a separate board and is very easy to install on the HEA bridge. No need to solder on or program anything in the HEA bridge. The clock upgrade can also be carried out at a later stage, no technical knowledge is required. The clock upgrade is easy to place and the HEA bridge automatically switches to the improved clock.