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 

fastricky

Showing 4 responses by soix

Suffice it to say, I'm going to hold out for an option that ticks all the boxes, I may be waiting over a year but at some point some builder WILL offer all of these options. 

Yeah maybe one or two — maybe — but what are the odds they produce the sound you’re looking for?  Good luck with that. 

I2s is the best option to use, Ethernet 2nd, usb dead last. Don’t sacrifice sq, keep looking for an I2s dac

@rbstehno  As someone who uses a DDC and i2S connection that’s not necessarily true.  It really depends on which input(s) the designer chose to optimize.  In some cases it’s i2S while in others it’s USB or AES/EBU.  Point is, great results can be had through any input so it completely depends on individual DAC implementation.  It’s far more important to get the DAC/sound right than worry about the connection type IMO. 

I think your priorities are misguided.  You’re prioritizing the uDDC that’s left you stuck with nothing but i2S and letting that dictate your options rather than prioritizing a DAC that actually produces the sound you’re looking for.  Your goals would point strongly toward something from Lampi, but I’ve no doubt the Terminator 25th would also be a big improvement in the areas you’re looking to improve though won’t have tube magic of the Lampi.  FWIW, and best of luck. 

I’d sell the DDC and put the $$$ toward a really nice DAC from Lampizator, etc.  You’re holding yourself hostage and greatly limiting your options by being wed to i2S unnecessarily.