i2s is but a connection type for digital music data... what goes through the connection still matters... so why would a good or bad streamer up front matter any less or more?
and yes -- of course, the proof is in the listening, always...
With I2S how much does the streamer hardware matter?
I just received a Pi 2 Design Mercury V2 streamer and have for the first time an I2S connection to my R2R DACs. It sounds really good thru my Aries 12th into Woo Audio WA22 headphone system.
Can anyone tell me if there is any real advantage in keeping a ($5k) Lumin U1 for my main stereo system (into Denafrips Venus II and tube integrated) with its USB out versus another Mercury streamer with I2S connection with the benefits that connection provides re no buffer and separate clock signal?
Do the quality/type of internal processors matter as well or not really when going I2S? Of course there are limitations on whether they can handle certain formats like DSD but for actual sound quality of a particular format is there any difference?
I know - let my ears tell me - but was interested in any technical opinions as well.