I think the empeg main board is capable of a optical output with the addition of a optical digital audio driver chip. I'm not sure if the chip is bidirectional but it sounds like if you are trying to compete in IASCA with a CD based empeg you should do it right and bypass the D/A's on CD players. Many CD players have optical outs these days. This is more of a solution for future hardware though.

Seems like if you are serious about IASCA, just buy a CD player. The cost of a CD player compared to an average IASCA system is a tiny fraction anyway.

Also, I mentioned a while ago I would analyze the Alpine Ai-Net bus to determine the protocol for controlling a CD changer (only if there is someone that can impliment that control.) Offer still stands.

Alex Lear