2. digital
  3. 179217-174247

What Digital to Digital Converter Do You Use? Why?

I have an iFi Zen Stream and am considering using a digital to digital converter to convert the iFi's USB to i2s into the May Holo DAC.

I guess the question that arises is if this approach is sonically better than USB directly into the DAC.

So, who can offer some advice based on personal experience?  Yes, I do realize that your DAC and streamer differ from mine.

 

vonhelmholtz

Showing 2 responses by rhg3

rhg3
162 posts
 

+1 for Matrix X-SPDIF 2

I don’t necessarily think that I2S will always bring an improvement over USB for any given device. However, in this case it provided noticeable improvement in SQ.

The unit has three dip switches:

  1. MCLK
  2. IIS Reverse
  3. DoP to Native

My setup:

Sonic Orbiter Roon Core i5 (Upsampling) > Ethernet (switch) > ifi Zen stream + MCRU LPS > USB > Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2 > I2S > Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2SE

I’m using a AudioQuest Forest 48 0.75m HDMI Cable. I’d rather have a shorter cable but it seems to work well.

I’m also powering the Matrix X-SPIDF 2 off the Zen Streams USB instead of the wall wart. So far, so good.

 

rhg3
162 posts
 

@ghdprentice 

I always stay away from converters. Add extra stuff to the signal path is always a bad thing. I use what is native.

You're closer to the end state of your hi fi journey than many of us who are either starting or are in the middle of their journey. How about a little empathy? ;-) 

I'm not going to argue the technical merits of USB vs. I2S but rather try to imagine that someone has a DAC with both interfaces and for whatever reason I2S sounds better?

I agree that putting DDC "barrel connector" in the signal path isn't optimal but if it provides a better listening experience by definition it can't be a "bad thing".

One day this probably won't even be a consideration as the technology will have sufficiently advanced such that we can get the integrated Streamer/DAC that is emotionally engaging and at a reasonable price point. In the mean time, we all do what we can, the best that we can. 

ps. Love your system! Although I can't see it anymore. I haven't been able to see Virtual Systems since around the time they instituted "bot checking". I suspect I am not alone.

 

 

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