I agree with OP in getting exactly what he wants. Having a I2S input doesn't preclude using and comparing other inputs on same dac. Automatically dismissing any input or interface is nonsense, each dac and streaming setup has to be evaluated on it's own, having a wider choice of inputs makes total sense to me. So far I've compared three dacs with I2S and varying quality usb inputs, I2S has been the winner with all three.
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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- 36 posts total
Seems we have this debate every week. Different streamers and DACs are often optimized for different inputs and outputs, it depends on where the money is spent. I2S and DDCs do a great job of improving the sound of "affordable" DACs and streamers. For example: to this day I still use a Denafrips Pontus II with a Denafrips Iris DDC with a Bluesound Node 130.....and have for a couple of years, and it still works really well. That connection is I2S. More expensive gear can have other connections optimized: AES/EBU or USB being 2; and in that case there may be no need for a DDC. But to dismiss any connection without trying is also incorrect. |
One update: SW1X has replied to me that they will consider customizing a DAC with i2s input configured to my DDC. This may be the winner, stay tuned. I did rule them out initially as being too expensive but they do have a range so this may work out, thanks for the tip Audiogon community! Otherwise, since I am mostly happy with the sound of my DDC + Pontus II, I may just throw in the towel on the tube DAC direction and go for a Terminator 15th. From what I've read, and my experience with my Pontus I'll bet I'd be reasonably happy with it. |
Price point of dac may or may not be a consideration as to whether adding ddc is optimal. Adding ddc and it's external clocking needs to be considered on a case by case basis, one can't just assume superior interfaces based solely on price. With ddc via I2S we are directly comparing dac's internal master clock and power supply to the ddc clock and power supply. Far too many just assume usb is the premiere interface without justification, usb interface leaves much to be desired, ever notice the amount of tweaks, optimizations being offered for this interface. In essence all ddc via I2S is offering is an exchange of master clocks, simple evaluation to determine if one is better than the other. |
Agree with @sns , which is why I'd like to keep my options open and have an i2s interface on my DAC. |
- 36 posts total