Summary:

 

Choice of interface/bridge type as well as chipset will depend upon many factors:  cost, drive compatibility, performance, avoiding hardware/software limitations, support of special drive features, reliability and convenience.  Whether you are avoiding IDE/PATA/ATA to work around Microsoft's DMA->PIO "feature", you are worried that USB is not as reliable as other methods, or you are finding your firewire-connected plextor is failing to support some of the more esoteric digital audio extraction features, I hope this page will help you make an informed decision on what equipment you may need.

 

Summary of DAE Board Results:

 

Test:

 

 

    Note: dbpoweramp is a bit finicky regarding C2 support, so these results may

       change as I am working with spoon to see if firewire support can be improved.

 

 

       dbpoweramp R13 was used to test and detect DAE cache, test FUA command,

    use FUA if applicable, test C2 and use C2 if applicable. Plextor PX-230a

    drives were used in all tests.  C2 in-use test was monitored for abnormal

    results using the same damaged disc in all case.

 

    All tesing was performed on the Windows XP platform, using standard Microsoft-

    supplied drivers.  No non-Microsoft filter drivers were installed.

 

Key:

 

    Pass = all subtests worked correctly

    Fail = one or more problems encountered in test

    Dead = died in tragic enclosure power supply misconfiguration incident

    SCHED = Not yet tested

 

Results:

 

  Res.    Product Name           Primary Chip      Maker        Made    Interfaces    Other Info

 

  --- Firewire ---

 

  DEAD    FW-142AV               OXFW911-TQ-A      OXFORD       2002    FW4

  DEAD    F9100N-525NB           OXFW911-TQ-A      OXFORD       2002    FW4

  DEAD    ????                   OXFW911-TQ-A      OXFORD       2002    FW4

  FAIL    Primera Composer Pro   OXFW911-TQ-A 312  OXFORD       200?    FW4            (4)

 

  FAIL    fwb-ide01a 1.0         INIC-2430L        INITIO       2003    FW4+FW8        TI 3A CTD2 CT + SST MPF 39VF010

  FAIL    fwb-ide01a 1.2         INIC-2430L        INITIO       2005    FW4+FW8        TI 4B AFD0 CT + PMC FLASH BBM61

 

  --- USB 2.0 ---

 

  PASS    USB2.0-IDE40P 1.3      M5621 A1          ALi          ????    USB            Usb powered

  PASS    SUI200-F 1.0 "EASY-GO" D720130GC         NEC          2003    USB            Special power adapter

  DEAD    ACARD 4420P            PL-2507           Prolific     2005    USB            Passthrough feature

  FAIL    ACARD 4420P            PL-2507           Prolific     2005    USB            Passthrough feature, (1), (3)

 

 

 

  --- SATA ---

 

  SCHED   RXD639 SATA<>IDE 1.2   SPIF223A-HF022    SATALINK     2007    SATA<->IDE

 

 

   (1) - Works OK with iTunes in error correction mode.

   (2) - Works OK with iTunes in normal (no error correction) mode.

   (3) - odd behavior when dbpa cdgrab.exe is opened with this drive connected - it's as if a controller reset

           command is constantly reinitializing the drive (which makes the cdgrab.exe interface constantly super

           slow).  This makes it very difficult to perform the cache, fua and c2 tests, though I was able to complete

           the cache test with a correct result after about 10 minutes of trying to get the clicks into a mostly

           frozen screen.  Gave up before I could get the FUA and C2 tests completed as the behavior makes it

           unusable.  Theory: something in the drive status or disc detection routines of cdgrab.exe is not

           compatible with this bridge.

   (4) - The board is custom for the Primera Composer, board firmware include Primera references. 

           Won't even recognize the Plextor PX-230a, but recognizes the LG GCE-8523B units installed in the

           duplicator.  The LG GCE-8523B failed the tests normally, and succeeded when I used the ALi USB chipset

           instead.  Summary: this oxford 911 chipset bridge fails.

 

 

Issues to be aware of:

 

Bridge Types

General Performance - 400mb/s firewire is better than 480mb/s USB.  800mb/s firewire (1394b) is better than either.

ATAPI compatibility - most bridges support it, some bridges specialize in it.

USB and Firewire limitations on ATA/ATAPI command support, including examples where you would likely run into problems.

USB and Firewire (mis)handling of unusual calls (e.g. for secure ripping)

USB and Firewire problems with secure CD ripping/damaged discs (cache size and detection, cache clearing/fua and detection, c2 reporting and detection)

128kb firewire bug

 

Firmware updates:

 

Chipsets:

 

Support for special CD-ripping drive features:

 

Drivers:

 

(including Microsoft and third-party drivers)

 

Cost:

 

Firmware updates:

 

Recommended Parts:

 

Parts we wished we could recommend, but cannot (and why):

e.g. the ACARD bridge that allows you to use a switch contact to bypass the bridge (for use in standalone units) - stops responding with secure CD ripping.

 

Parts that should be avoided at all costs: