I agree with OP in getting exactly what he wants. Having a I2S input doesn't preclude using and comparing other inputs on same dac. Automatically dismissing any input or interface is nonsense, each dac and streaming setup has to be evaluated on it's own, having a wider choice of inputs makes total sense to me. So far I've compared three dacs with I2S and varying quality usb inputs, I2S has been the winner with all three.
Tube DAC with i2s input?
Hi all, I want to upgrade from my Pontus II which is a good DAC but I'm looking for better depth/dimension, separation and analog warmth. I recently added a Laiv uDDC to the Pontus and that improved things notably so I'd like to keep that option for a new tube DAC, however most I come across do not have i2s input. Any suggestions? Budget $4-6k thanks. - Rich