2. digital
  3. 168063-671

Server/Source Recommendation For Denafrips Terminator

Just picked up a Terminator and quite like it so far. I've an old Cambridge 851C that I'm using as a transport for the couple hundred or so CDs that I haven't ripped, and an Aurender N100H along with NAS totaling around 7TB. Files are mostly FLAC, WAV and about 10% are DSD.

I'm looking to improve on the sound quality of the N100H. I don't have a real issue with the Conductor App functionality and no real desire/need to step into ROON.

However, I am looking to add some input flexibility and not be tied solely to USB. The Denafrips has the usual suspects when it comes to inputs and it also has I2S, which I used way back when with some old Audio Alchemy gear (yes, I'm that old).

I've zero interest in streaming and zero interest in buying a unit with an inbuilt DAC.

Is it worth trying to find something with I2S connectivity, or are the "gains" too small to worry about?

Can you recommend a music server that wouldn't constrain the potential of the Denafrips Terminator and could be found on the used market for around $3000 - $4000, perhaps a little more if needed?

Looking for feedback from people who value (or not) the I2s connectivity and who have some experience with this DAC and a variety of sources. 

Many thanks.

Rooze
128x128rooze

Showing 1 response by david_ten

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
The easiest path forward is what @smatsui and @jaytor have suggested.

It allows you to stay with what you know and are comfortable with in the Aurender or if you choose to upgrade your Aurender NH100 in the future.

In my opinion, it does not add a layer of complexity. It is a natural pairing for the Denafrips. It brings overall upsides in sound quality and performance to the table, as well as the ability to optimize around the I2S input into the Terminator. It also gives you flexibility in Input/Outputs that you are, at present, not considering. If I recall correctly, it allows for an external clock should you be interested in adding one.
More to discover