INT202 Firewire Interface (Preview Update)
April 2010 Update: The INT202 second shipment has enhanced features and updated new pricing. For more information please see: http://www.asiaweiss.com/main/?p=167
INT202 Firewire Interface
The INT202 is a small interface box for Firewire to AES/EBU and S/PDIF conversion. In addition the audio volume can be controlled in the digital domain via an infrared remote control unit. The INT202 finds its application in interfacing a PC or MAC computer to a D/A Converter unit. With the volume control feature it can also replace a preamplifier. The outputs can be operated in single wire up to 192 kHz sampling rate or in dual wire at the 176.4 / 192 kHz rates.
Features of the INT202:
- Two firewire sockets
- Can be powered from Firewire bus or from an optional power supply
- Two XLR output sockets
- Two RCA output sockets
- Operates up to 192kHz sampling rate
- Single or dual wire operation at sampling rates of 176.4 or 192 kHz
- Infrared remote control (optional) for volume
- Volume control is dithered to avoid quantization distortion
This is return the quest for audiophiles who already own very high quality DAC, and want to add a simple high quality stereo digital interface to playback audio files.
The release schedule will be before Christmas.
The price is HK$10,800. (Included Power Supply)
Remote control (optional): HK$1600
INT202 can get power from the Firewire Bus, but there is power supply. The remote control is same as ATT202, so one remote can share between 2 units. If you do not need to change the digital volume on INT202, it simply acts as a firewire to AES / SPDIF digital device, the content is bit transparent.
More indepth info can be found here: http://www.designwsound.com/dwsblog/?page_id=2033
Finally, something interesting is coming!! So notebook user can ride on Hi-Res highway without using studio sound card!!
The master clock of Digital Out generated by the box like AF1 and DAC2?
Yeah, Did I tell you we are listening??! But well….the best is yet to come. =)
Oh yes, since there is no AES, SPDIF input, there is no clock sync from the source, the firewire allows the internal master clock, the same like AFI1 and DAC2 firewire connection.
So the major difference between INT202 and Vesta is remote, digital volume and digital input?? and Vesta equipment with same digital level firmware after firmware update??
If INT202 can handle one digital input, then it can be digital control amp! Hope more info about this little monster in the future.
The biggest different between INT202 and Vesta to me……is the pricing. The INT202 will be more affordable although I don’t have final pricing yet.
Vesta allows user to have AES input to firewire. This means you can hook up with an ADC and record analogue sources (LP, Open Reel) back to computer.
INT202 is only for playback, no AES input.
Definitely the thing I was looking for.
Any idea if it operates correctly with dCS dual/aes input ?
Elp
Hi, Yes it works perfectly with dCS dualAES input.
@admin
Hi Kent,
thanks for the answer.
The Delius is having a wclk output, wondering if that does not push the AF1 instead.
Still, I’m not sure how that would be usable. The clock signal has to be either 44.1 or 48 depending on the signal frequency. Since I have to go into the dCS menu to change that (between 176 and 192 files for instance), I see it as being annoying to use.
Any idea if it would make a big difference (between int202 vs af1 clocked) ?
Elp
Hi again,
worst, in the manual, it says it can only output a 44.1khz clock signal.
So that would not be usable with 192khz material anyway.
I might be stuck with the int202 eventually
What about external psu vs powering through firewire ?
Elp
Hi Elp, I serviced almost all dCS units here in HK/China for last 7 years, so I quite understand its working procedure. In digital audio system, there should be only 1 clock, which usually is the source.
We can separate INT202 with AFI1 not because AFI1 has WLK I/O – AFI1 allows other digital inputs (AES, SPDIF, ADAT) but INT202 doesn’t.
INT202 is purely designed for computer audio playback, which should be the source of the clocking, even though I must be biased but I can’t see why Daniel would like to compromise on clocking design in pure engineering term.
I wish to get the INT202 for my next month (Nov. 14) digital audio seminar here in HK. INT202 can be bus powered or external PSU. That means there is a chance which you made design a n audiophile external power supply for INT202.
For people who are using external mastering clock approach with dCS, Esoteric, Grimm, their system budget should allow them to get whatever they want, INT202, AFI1, Vesta etc. INT202 is designed for audiophile who already have a decent DAC system, to add computer playback capability with its best shape. It has digital audio volume on remote control also.
When comparing to other pro audio digital sound cards, I do think Weiss INT202 provide better sounding quality, without extra features which audiophile no use of. However I do wish to see AFI1 upgrade on software patching (routing) and metering for professional usage since it is an pro unit.
Hi Kent,
sure I have’t tested the use of a unique clock. I would not have wanted to miss this opportunity, but since the delius is only sending 44.1khz on wclk ouput, I won’t take it as a must do.
One last question about the int202.
What happens if the switch is set to dual/aes output and I’m playing, let say, 24/96 or 24/88 files (not to mention 16/44.1) ? Does it send the same signal on both outputs, or just one of the two ? I wouldn’t want to have to switch manually each time the file resolution is changing the need for dual/single aes.
Elp
When using Dual AES on 96kHz or below, same signal will outputs on both AES1&2.
If it will equipe with a remote controlled “Phase” changes, it is more than perfect.
We do hope it will be more than perfect. Thx Leo
@leochan
Is there a schedule release date or pricing?
The release schedule will be before Christmas.
The introductory price is HK$10,000.
Power supply (option): HK$1200
Remote control (option): HK$1600
INT202 can get power from the Firewire Bus, but there is optional power supply. The remote control is same as ATT202, so one remote can share between 2 units.
If you do not need to change the digital volume on INT202, it simply acts as a firewire to AES / SPDIF digital device, the content is bit transparent.
The Int202 digital converter price is $10000????
I heard that the price will $1300
HKD$10,000 in Hong Kong Dollars, similar to US$1300
AAAAAAAAAAAAA. it’s clear:)
What firewire version does it support? Is it IEEE 1394b?
If my PC uses IEEE 1394a, can I use it?
It is IEEE1394a – 400Mb on all Weiss firewire devices.
Hi kent, i have the weiss int202 here now!! thanks for a very nice product, i have not set it up yet as am still waiting for some other stuff for connecting it to laptop i will let you no i get them and setup Thanks Ken
Hi Kent,
is it usefull to integrate a grimm CC1 as external master clock into following chain: mini mac – AFI1 – DAD AX24?? My equipment is only for home listening.
no one can tell me.
thanks
gerhard
@Dogman
Great! Look forward for your feedback. I think as a digital interface (soundcard), the INT202 is as good as it gets.
@Gerhard Hoppe
Hello Gerhard, Both AFI1 and DAD AX24 are top notch clocking design, I cannot comment if that helps or not. However I am a big fan of Grimm stuffs. I especially like the starting paragraph of their paper. If I take no responsibility in a bet, I bet it will enhance the quality of your chain.
Hi Kent.
I have just bought int202 with source as MacBook pro and Amarra mini. I have tried to connect to naim supernaim by RCA but no signal output. Does int 202 need dac with RCA input. It seems that supernaim has dac for digital input only. Do you have and suggestion for my system?
Thank you.
Hi Teddy, Are you using the “tape” input? That should be the default input for SuperNait. And for INT202, please select Single Wire Output.
If you need more help, please contact us. Thank you.