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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
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Showing 6 responses by rooze

rooze's avatar
rooze OP
577 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendation on the Gaia. I've seen this on the Denafrips website but felt it would add a layer of complexity that I was looking to avoid. But it seems you're both saying that i2s is the way to go, it's just a case of finding the right compatible hardware.
rooze's avatar
rooze OP
577 posts
 
Thanks for the inputs above.

I decided to 'tinker' with Roon, setting up Roon server on my Macbook and just getting a feel for its UI and such.

To cut a long story short, I purchased a sonicTransporter i5, ultraRendu, iFi Zen Streamer and an ultraDigital for its i2s connectivity.

The iFi Zen Streamer is a great little unit, tons of features and easy to get up and running. It's going into my office system feeding an Ayre Codex USB Dac.

I'm still playing with the main setup into the Terminator DAC but so far I'm pleased with the results. Yes, it's a bit more complicated than I'd intended, but I think the results are worth it.
I looked hard at the Gaia but didn't want to splash the cash at this point.
The sonicT i5 gives me better options, controlling multiple endpoints etc, which would've been difficult to do via the Aurender and Gaia. I may still add a Gaia at some point down the line.

Just closing the loop here, thanks again y'all.

Rooze
rooze's avatar
rooze OP
577 posts
 
@redlenses03 My N100H is out on loan so I can't do a side-by-side just yet, but word has it that the i5, ultraRendu, digitalRendu into i2s is a step or two up from the sound of the N100H. I'm hoping that turns out to be the case. I'm certainly enjoying what I'm hearing so far :)

rooze's avatar
rooze OP
577 posts
 
@mpomerantz I’m not sure about your DAC but the ultraDigital has dip switches for different i2S configurations, so you might find that yours is viable. It defaults to the PS Audio i2s but supports other options.
rooze's avatar
rooze OP
577 posts
 
So far I’m hearing a fairly big difference using i2s via the Sonore ultraDigital, most notable is the soundstage moving forward into the room. I prefer a more recessed presentation so I’m not liking this aspect of i2s. But it’s more detailed and a little more dynamic. 
rooze's avatar
rooze OP
577 posts
 
@anzaanimalclinic - what I2S cable are you using? I read such mixed opinions on HDMI cables (no different than with any other cable, I guess), that I went cheap and bought an Audioquest, it's a 'Cinamon' I think, but I'd have to check.
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