Audiopraise VanityPRO

[vortecjr]

 

The Audiopraise VanityPRO is a multi-channel HDMI digital audio extractor with advanced signal processing built in. It enables the user to turn virtually any compatible HDMI source into a high-quality, up to eight-channel digital audio transport which supports PCM and DSD  audio formats.

 

This heavily engineered audiophile HDMI audio extractor features custom DSD to PCM conversion algorithms and a state-of-the-art jitter reduction system. The result is a reference quality digital audio signal suitable for the most demanding applications of stereo and multichannel digital playback.

 

VanityPRO addresses the imperfections associated with the HDMI audio with a ton of extra features tha other similar products don’t have.

 

Features

HDMI 2.0a input and output.

Up to 8-channel 192kHz/24bit PCM and 6-channel DSD64 audio extraction

Custom high quality DSD to PCM conversion

Advanced jitter attenuation

DSD to DoP encoding

HDMI Audio status monitoring

Multiple options of multi-channel or stereo digital audio outputs. All major formats

Synchronization clock outputs

 

Options

Digital Audio Outputs Channels - 8 or 2 channel (stereo) output modules

Option 1 - 4xBNC for 8-channel output

Option 2 - 4xRCA for 8-channel output

Option 3 - 4x/XLR for 8-channel output

Option 4 - 1xXLR + 1xBNC + 1xRCA + 1x TOSLINK for 2-channel output

Option 5 - multichannel I2S output module with CMOS 3.3V levels

 

Link to product page: https://sonore-us.myshopify.com/products/audiopraise-vanitypro-audiophile-multi-channel-hdmi-digital-audio-extractor?_pos=1&_sid=32cc34593&_ss=r

[vortecjr]

This is how I'm using the VanityPRO

I primarily have a stereo based music system. However, from time to time I have wanted to add a center channel for movies and for the big game when friends and family come over. I fell like I can't here the people clearly and find myself raising the lower the volume of the entire system to compensate. Also, I just don't like the idea of the TV down mixing the multichannel tracks down to two channels and then having to run that audio into the stereo.

 

 

 

What I have decided to do is run L/R right channels into my main DAC, amplifier, and speakers. Then I run the center channel into a dedicated integrated amplifier with digital input, and speaker. Both of these signal paths have volume control built into the amp so I can easily adjust things to my liking and needs.  

 

Let me know how you might use the VanityPRO?

[vortecjr]

Some images from the gallery

      

[vortecjr]

6 hours ago, R1200CL said:

Can you play multichannel SACD ?

Yes it can assuming your source doesn't mess things up before streaming it.

[vortecjr]

BTW With SACD players you would have to read the manuals and assure bit streaming without any conversation if you DSD sent to the unit.  

 

With an Apple TV or equal as an endpoint streaming DSD I would experiment with a DAC that accepts DoP via it’s SPDIF or AES-EBU input. If your DAC doesn’t support DoP then using the unit’s onboard DSD to PCM converter is an excellent alternative.

[vortecjr]

1 hour ago, R1200CL said:

Seems you have some inside information 😀

 

Suggestion of what HW that can use this signal ? Google didn’t serve me well. 
 

I wonder if Audioprase is planning USB out as well. Or even better, a (fiber) network output ?

Then one could connect HMDI to Sonore Rendu’s. 

I have not seen that output module yet, but potencially any of the LVDS i2s input DACs. You would need more than one DAC for mutichannel though. I have to ask what the connector format will be and what format speacification (PS Audio spec most likely) it will be comaptible with.  

[vortecjr]

Actually, the spec says CMOS level i2s and that is not the same as LVDS i2s. I'll contact them and get some more information. I'll also pitch the idea of a LVDS i2s outout via HDMI connector.  

[vortecjr]

Last night I streamed an action movie from Netflix on the Apple TV through the VanityPro and it is a very effective multichannel audio extractor. Having independent control of the center channel was wonderful. The center channel was clear and balanced even during action scenes. Matching the volume of the l/r channels with the center channel was a wow moment because I have been missing a lot from the movie experience. Next up is the game today…

[vortecjr]

1 hour ago, Kal Rubinson said:

EDIT:  With a multichannel output version of the VanityPro, one can use multiple stereo DACs or one can use a single multichannel DAC like the Okto DAC8Pro.

I like it. What amp do you like for this setup?

[vortecjr]

4 hours ago, vortecjr said:

Next up is the game today…

So at least the game today streamed via Hulu on the Apple TV appears to be broadcast in stereo only:( The stereo channel out of the VanityPRO is sounding very nice though so no harm.

 

I think the big game might be broadcast in 5.1 channels. 

[vortecjr]

I mean any multichannel amps. 

[vortecjr]

That makes sense.

[vortecjr]

I have been chatting with Audiopraise and they are willing to allow Sonore to make custom output modules. 

 

Let me know if there is any interest in an output module that provides multichannel LVDS i2s output via HDMI connectors. This configuration would support multiple stereo DACs to make a very nice surround sound system for music and movies.

 

 

[vortecjr]

21 hours ago, svart-hvitt said:

Does the VanityPRO accept EARC/ARC from the TV?

The VanityPRO has the ARC channel wired up, but it hasn't been software implemented or tested.

[vortecjr]

18 hours ago, R1200CL said:

Will this be developed by John Swenson ?

 

Would USB out be considered ?

 

We have not decided to move forward with custom modules yet. We are not considering USB with regards to this project.

[vortecjr]

Just to follow up on the ARC discussion...I am confident they can make ARC work via a firmware update. No ETA as of yet, but I have requested the feature. 

[vortecjr]

Keep us posted!

[vortecjr]

I have been using the Apple TV 4K and it’s streaming multichannel PCM (up to 8 channels) and stereo PCM interchangeably based on source content. 
 

The short answer about Atmos is that it’s not supported. This is based on my understanding that all the devices in the audio chain need to support Atmos. Unfortunately, I don’t think the Atmos protocol allows the source to decoded Atmos content and stream it as PCM. This device is really intended for PCM and DSD streaming.

[vortecjr]

I don’t have a list for you, but some of the video apps tell you if they have 5.1 audio. I have not seen 7.1 content on the Apple TV 4K, but I have not been looking for it. A source like a BluRay player could provide audio or audio/video with multichannel. 

[vortecjr]

4 hours ago, Rex95 said:

Very interesting product! Nearly exactly what I’ve been looking for to complement my genelecs. 

Anyone know how the following can work or if there is a workaround:

 

1. Streaming music, if I understand correctly you need a hdmi source to extract the music from. Usually for entertaining I want to listend to something else than What’s being shown on TV. If The vanityPRO had a usb in and a way to switch the inputs (maybe even an automatic “if x input being used it automatically switches”. Is there any workaround or future version to cover this? What source does current owners use for listening to music? 

2. Is there any plan to implement HDMI 2.1 in a future version? 4K120Hz/8K owners/users are few but exist. 

3. To optimise it’s output signal I guess battery’s/LPSUs will be needed?

 

4. I’m confused about the clock ports. Have not seen any video streamer with clock input. What would the clock outputs be used for? 
 

Not sure about about 1 and 2, but I not heard about them. On 3 I supplied Chris with a unit and two inexpensive linear power supplies. I tested the unit with those power supplies and it performed very well. Of course one can experiment with different power supplies. On 4 you can use the clock output to sync the external DACs.

[vortecjr]

3 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I should have an article about this done this week. Let me know what things people want me to try. So far this thing is really cool. 

DSD playback with conversion to PCM into your Berkeley DAC….please and thank you.

[vortecjr]

How about an Oppo or some other SACD compatible player?

[vortecjr]

13 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I haven’t had a disc spinner for over a decade. 

Ha ha ha…same issue here.

[vortecjr]

22 hours ago, DigiPete said:

I'm really interested in what it takes to stream surround media through this thing.
AVR's are crap and unreasonable expensive on top.

Questions:

• How little HW can we get away with, if we just want the 5.1 or 7.1 PCM out of the different music and video streaming services?
• What are the best little streamers (mentioned above)?
• Can anything "fake" the streaming service to deliver (probably) Atmos, so we can extract the PCM? 
• And how high quality can we get from the different combinations?

Funny, I really just wanna pay for streaming . . .
But I may be forced rip / download surround streaming to benefit.
All driven by the same stupid paranoia as in the Napster days.
I hope there is a way!
 

It’s hard to answer everything because there are endless combinations so take these as brief answers only. For video I’m just using an Apple TV and it’s apps. For audio let’s wait for Chris’ review to see what he comes up with. I’m not an Atmos expert, but my gut feeling is that it may be hard to fake. The current product specs are as follows: Up to 8-channel 192kHz/24bit PCM and 6-channel DSD64 audio extraction.

[vortecjr]

On 1/16/2022 at 3:42 PM, The Computer Audiophile said:

What are common ways people would get DSD into this unit? 

I forgot to mention that I tasked Andrew with getting HDMI streaming on SonicTransporter so that may be an option soon?