If you have the budget, the SW1X tube DACS are awesome. Even their lowest-end models are above so many on the market. They are all custom built I traded from a Lampizator Atlantic TRP to the SW1X DAC IV Special. If connected to one of their VDT streamers, the synergy is so sweet. For pricing information, etc., contact Colin King at Gestalt Audio. https://gestalt.audio/
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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Well, I will pat myself on the back as mostly all of the options are ones that I've already considered (I'm amazed, amazed I tells ya, that of the outrageous quantity of DACs available today, there isn't one that threads the needle between tube driven, with i2s input and in black): @nepfotos I looked into the LaScala, no i2s input and not available in black. @jbuhl I agree with you, but for the moment I'm going to stay focused on trying to find an all in one solution but thanks again. @rbstehno As mentioned it depends on how the input was configured, but because my DDC only has i2s output that's what I'm looking for (but I'm with you that currently if configured compatibly, it is the best option) @baylinor Yes! Tubadour V would be ideal, except it isn't available in black. Vlad (builder) claims he might have an extra black faceplate around but for the moment hasn't gotten back to me. @gregjacob OK those are products I wasn't aware of and are gorgeous! Sadly out of my price range (I'm only willing to go so far on expenditure for my digital rig - I'm a more dedicated vinyl/analog listener and went deep on that expenditure). At some point I'm just going to buy a can of black spray paint and solve this problem the easiest way! 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. |
@fastricky I own a black LaScala with a RJ45 AQlink, which is their name for the I2S serial bus |
@nepfotos OK thanks, but my i2s is the HDMI style, it seems theirs is different? |
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