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
I think you are out of luck if picky in color selection. If you adapt, you might consider getting Tubadour V instead III or III SE. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/audio-mirror-tubadour-iii-vs-iv Or you could consider getting a SS Dac with I2s in of course and add a tube preamp like Freya. |
@fastricky Ah ok, I see they have a few less expensive DACs. I'd want black as well so I understand. Maybe you can find one used and deal with the silver or go with a Lampizator and forget the I2S like soix said. |
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 Thanks for replying, what is your $6k DAC and what did you do to clean up the power and signal? I do have a Niagara power conditioner and as far as signal I primarily listen to CDs on my digital side. @ghdprentice I'm concerned with i2s so I can still use a DDC into the DAC. |
