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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 2 responses by steakster

steakster
2,015 posts
 

OP:  I’m looking for better depth/dimension, separation and analog warmth.

I have a tube DAC (MSRP: $12K) and a SS DAC (MSRP: $6K).   Both offer depth - dimension - separation.   Both sound quite good - just different flavors.  Neither are harsh or fatiguing.  They’re very musical.  Yet years ago, both did sound harsh & fatiguing.

My interpretation of analog warmth is the absence of digital distortion.   That is accomplished through cleaning up the signal and the power in the digital chain. The effort is worth it.  Good luck!  

- - - 

Neither has I2S

steakster
2,015 posts
 
fastricky OP

. . . Thanks for replying, what is your . . . 

My components and power management are discussed in my Virtual System. 

Tweaks for the signal and power clean-up were gleaned from Audiogon’s digital discussions.

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