MSB Technology has been at the forefront of digital to analog playback systems since 1989. The sector has grown enourmously and incr eased in complexity in the pursuit of perfect music reproduction.

Here Daniel Francis, industrial designer at MSB, explains how the MSB fibre optic system works, and how it is cruciual to taking your MSB DAC to the next level of performance.

MSB Fiber Connections

This technology can get complicated fast, so please watch the entire video below or read the entire thread on What's Best Forum before experimenting with your MSB equipment.

Our ProISL and Cascade fiber link is not Ethernet. It is not based on fiber ethernet protocols in any way. And it runs at much lower power levels than fiber ethernet interfaces. We use SFP fiber technology as a physical platform, but the data and the way we use it is completely unique to MSB. Pro ISL protocols are entirely different from the link between Digital Directors and their Analog Converters. There is absolutely no room for experimentation on gear configurations. Only use as intended and labeled.

Standard SFP Modules and Cables

Fiber SFP modules are hot swappable. That means you can experiment without powering off equipment, but you must exercise basic ESD precautions. Before touching the SFP module, always ground yourself to the chassis with your other hand. Let’s first explain the stock configuration.

Every DAC ships with two matched single-mode SFP optical modules, already installed. There will be a single-mode duplex LC fiber patch cable to connect them. This is a tried-and-true reliable system. You can plug and unplug this fiber cable almost indefinitely, and if any part wears out, it’s easy and inexpensive to replace.

Benefits of AOC

At MSB, we’re always exploring ways to reliably push performance through technology advancements. As it turns out, AOC connections show a lot of promise. Our DACs rely on fiber because it gives us total galvanic isolation with seemingly infinite cable lengths all while providing extreme data bandwidths. The stock setup we ship with works very well as a reliable reference.

But, like many of you, we’re curious — is there a way to get just a bit more out of an MSB DAC? That’s where Active Optical Cables come in. An AOC combines the fiber cable and the transceivers into one closed system. No separate modules. No separate cable. A closed and perfectly matched system. The simplicity of this system is key. You remove extra junctions with no mismatched parts, no dirty fiber ends, no half-seated connectors.

AOC Cables

To change out the AOC cable, simply pull on the integrated release tab. This will disengage the locking mechanism while the SFP module pulls free. When inserting a new AOC cable, simply make sure it is firmly inserted and latched in place.

Fiber Buying Guide

The links in the full thread on the forum are for MSB recommended AOC cables and SFP modules. The SFP modules and cables are direct replacements for the stock modules and cables that come with MSB products.

Tips for choosing AOC Cables

• It must be 10 Gigabit SFP+ architecture.
• Higher-speed cables like 25G or 100G may work, but they’re not optimized for audio use and can sometimes reduce performance. They will use additional power and add more noise to the system. More isn’t always better.
• Maximum power consumption must be under 2 watts, Ideally 1 watt or less for best performance
• Length doesn’t matter for AOC cables — pick whatever fits your setup.
• Color doesn’t matter either — the orange and teal jacket colors are the same performance, it’s just an indicator for different manufacturing standards.
• And remember, any brand of 10G AOC should work. This is a standardized platform, so anyone manufacturing to the spec should be a compatible option.

MSB Technology
vince@msbtechnology.com
www.msbtechnology.com