Technical Manual

ES Receivers v1.0 Page 23
i.LINK® Digital Audio Interface
From the initial launch of Super Audio Compact Disc, the 1-bit Direct
Stream Digital™ pulse train was always converted to analog prior to output from
the player. While SA-CD players have included coaxial and optical digital
outputs, these outputs handled CD signals exclusively. The SCD-XA9000ES
was Sony's first SA-CD player to provide an i.LINK digital output for the 1-bit
DSD signal. And the STR-DA9000ES was Sony's first receiver to incorporate an
i.LINK digital input. The DA71000ES carries this ability forward, maintaining the
signal in the digital domain and simplifying the signal path. The i.LINK interface
also enables a single digital cable to take the place of six analog cables.
Typical SA-CD reproduction involves numerous D/A and A/D
conversions. Connected to a compatible SA-CD player, the STR-
DA7100ES maintains the signal in digital form.
The i.LINK digital audio interface uses Digital Transmission Content
Protection (DTCP), a robust system that protects the music from piracy. The
application of the i.LINK (IEEE 1394) interface to digital audio is clearly different
from—and not compatible with—previous i.LINK interface applications for DV
camcorders, PC peripherals and professional digital video systems. You can
only connect the STR-DA7100ES i.LINK interface to a compatible digital audio
output, such as that on the SCD-XA9000ES SA-CD/CD player and the DVP-
NS9100ES DVD/SA-CD/CD player.
Amplifie
r
Digital Signal
S
A
-CD Playe
r
Speakers
S
A
-CD
D/A
convert
A/D
convert
DSP
D/A
convert
LPF
Volume
Analog
Power
Amp
STR-D
A
7100ES
DVP-NS9100ES
Speakers
S
A
-CD
DSP
S-Master Power Amplifie
r
LPF
Analog Signal