I would think the price range you are listening, sound quality would be greatly more important than connection type. So between similar priced DACs the sound quality might vary by say from one to ten and the variation in sound quality because of it’s connection type might be .5.
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
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@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. |
@fthompson251 Thanks, Terminator is top of mind for me, I wish there were more comparisons between it and tube DACs so I had a better info. My amp is tube based (Rogue Audio), and owning a Pontus and liking it (but not loving, as mentioned I wish the quality of it was richer with more air and especially depth). I imagine the Terminator would provide much of that but would it be as good as an equivalent tube DAC? |
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. |
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