Tube DAC with i2s input?

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. 

@lanx0003 I very much appreciate your POV and thanks for chiming in! There certainly is a lot of validity to trying to calm down the "audiophilia nervosa" and yes, I'm deep in the throes of it currently with my DAC quest. I'm a fan of Tarun btw and I often did wonder to what level adding the DDC to the Pontus II takes it to so thanks for pointing that out.

Normally I'd take my setup as better than just "good enough", but not too long ago I was window shopping on USAudiomart and came across an unbeatable deal - a practically new Grado Aeon3 cartridge (my dream cartridge) for an absurdly low price - All checked out and I took the plunge. At the time I was running a DV XX2 MkII, a well-regarded cartridge I was more than happy with. Well, once I slotted in the Grado I was nothing less than completely astonished by the difference in fidelity. I mean a true case of really getting what you pay for with minimal "diminished return".

I see a DAC as the cartridge in the digital arena and while I really can't complain about the sound I'm currently getting, I think going to something like a Tubadour V will equate the experience I had going to the Grado. To be sure I put back my XX2 cartridge tonight and spent a fair amount of time listening to it, then went to the Grado. Yup, just as floored at the difference as I was initially.

So while I have a perfectly fine setup now, I'm going to wait until the right DAC appears that ticks all the boxes for me - As part of my vetting experiment tonight I sat and looked at my complete rig (all black) and thought what would a silver Tubadour look like amidst all the other components? Ugly! Sadly my rig is on display in our living room so it would not be aesthetically pleasing. Ah well, first world problems... 

Op, Tarun from A British Audiophile commented that adding a quality DDC brings the Pontus II much closer to the performance of the Venus II. You've gone through that process and proven it to be true. Don't feel peer-pressured by anyone who has never owned or home-auditioned the fantastic gear you have. Trust trustworthy reviewers like the one mentioned above, and take the time to enjoy what you have—something many other audiophiles can only dream of.

If holding out for I2S you might wait a few months for PS Audio's new top model.

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. 

Yeah maybe one or two — maybe — but what are the odds they produce the sound you’re looking for?  Good luck with that. 

@nepfotos OK thanks, but my i2s is the HDMI style, it seems theirs is different? 

@fastricky  I own a black LaScala with a RJ45 AQlink, which is their name for the I2S serial bus

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. 

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/

I2s is the best option to use, Ethernet 2nd, usb dead last. Don’t sacrifice sq, keep looking for an I2s dac

@rbstehno  As someone who uses a DDC and i2S connection that’s not necessarily true.  It really depends on which input(s) the designer chose to optimize.  In some cases it’s i2S while in others it’s USB or AES/EBU.  Point is, great results can be had through any input so it completely depends on individual DAC implementation.  It’s far more important to get the DAC/sound right than worry about the connection type IMO. 

I would look into the Aqua Acoustic Quality portfolio - I personally own their La Scala MK II DAC and I'm very happy.

Tubadour V for sure.

Good thing I'm not anal about color. On my 3 racks I have 6 silver, 4 black and one grayish blue. Sounds great though.

I2s is the best option to use, Ethernet 2nd, usb dead last. Don’t sacrifice sq, keep looking for an I2s dac

While yes the Modwright is a better unit I fear a similar thing might happen?

I would be shocked if the Modwright didnt out perform the Hagerman.  I mean the power supply and the transformer alone are larger than the Hagerman (not that size alone matters)  Plus the addition of the Modright capacitors.  Not to mention the ability to switch between the 2×6SN7s or  2×6922s on the fly.  With the extra cash you could roll a bunch of tubes through there to dial in your warmth and dimensionality you desire.  As apposed to a shot and hope you hit the mark with a new DAC.

@jbuhl I considered the Modwright AB but already have a Hagerman Baratone tube buffer used in the same fashion - I liked the result for a while but eventually found the overall definition / detail too smeared with the buffer. While yes the Modwright is a better unit I fear a similar thing might happen? So I thought just take the plunge for an all-in-one tube DAC...

@pwoodard922 Very interesting to hear, thanks for chiming in. 

Try Anallog Bridge down stream from current DAC

I was in a similar situation and had a Denafrips Pontus II with the Iris DDC using an I2S cable.  I moved to a Lampizator Atlantic TRP with no DDC and using the USB input.  It was a rather dramatic improvement in resolution and soundstage with the Lampizator. I don’t think you need a DDC with the Lampizator.

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.

@soix I appreciate your POV and you may very well be right, but IF it existed wouldn't it be a nice option to have the possibility of improving the tone further with a DDC? But yes, it's possible that isn't a choice and a Lampi is something I"d lean towards over a Terminator. BTW anyone have any experience with Veridian Utopia Sirius DAC? Custom made and i2s is a possibility but communication with the builder has been slow and lack of info also gives me pause. 

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. 

@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? 

Look at a Terminator 15th from Audioman58. About $5500 from him. It will accept your i2s. It R2R and excellent.

@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. 

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. 

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

@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 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.

I’d sell the DDC and put the $$$ toward a really nice DAC from Lampizator, etc.  You’re holding yourself hostage and greatly limiting your options by being wed to i2S unnecessarily. 

Yes the Tubadour also has i2s but only comes in silver and I need black. It's always sumthin...! 

I can't say I've seen many tube DACs with an i2s input.  Audio Mirror makes the WAVE Tube DAC with I2S but it's pretty pricey.  https://audiomirror.com/product/wave-tube-dac/