DAC with i2S

I’m streaming via USB from a WiiM Ultra into an SMSL PO 100, then output from the SMSL into my Denafrips Ares 15th using I2S. It sounds great, better soundstage and detail than RCA, in my opinion. 

I have the Holo Red outstanding streamer

Thanks classdstreamer

I have no experience with the brand, but Holo Audio just came out with a sub 2k DAC (w I2S). 

I also recommend the Pontus.  Very happy with mine in my system.  Always used the I2S input from my cd transport.  Just purchased the Pontus 12th-1 so will be selling the original soon.

Need to mention Denafrips Pontus II - not sure how soundstage compares but very nice happy with mine. 

Gustard x26 pro. Using I2s from jay's cdt2-mk3 and USB from Innuos ZENith mk3. Happy camper.

I2s is superior to usb/coax/toslink. The other protocol would be Ethernet if you want to keep the server in another room, which is my preference.

Gustard X16 is very quiet, sounds great also has I2S .... and fits your budget admirably 

@carlsbad2 

+1

I always look for the best sounding / perfect fit to my tastes component, then worry about connections. 

Another example of someone picking a connector and shopping for a component to go with it.

Can you share how you concluded that DACs without I2S should not be considdered?

I have a previous model Gustard A22, and love it. No I2S input unfortunately.

Gustard R26 is a well reviewed Dac.

I own the Musician Pegasus that’s excellent and can be had for $1100.  Here’s a good review…

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/musician-audio-pegasus-r2r-dac-review/

For that price you could add their Pisces DDC for $520 so for $1620 total you’d have a complete i2S setup 

https://aoshida-audio.com/products/musician-pisces-ii

Incidentally, I added a used Denafrips Iris DDC to get i2S with my Pegasus and the improvement over SPDIF was not small and very well worth it.  Hope this helps, and best of luck.

Musetec 005 at $3k though the USB input maybe the best of the input options. Used can maybe found under $2k. Excellent DAC for the price. Wish I still had it.

A used PS Audio Directstream MKI. Then once funds allow, upgrade the transformers to APS along with the Vocm mods. Complete sleeper dac. I cannot imagine anything under $20K sounding better.