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
soix
8,756 posts
 

Other than the Holo DAC I’ve never heard anyone say they preferred another connection to i2S.  Some extra connections are worth making it seems. 

jerrybj
849 posts
 

I know some people who prefer AES/EBU over I2S.

markkpa
14 posts
 

Wow!  So I’m not the only one!!  I have conducted several A/B tests between my Gustard U18 & PS Audio Directstream DAC with updated firmware - every time the AES/EBU wins hands down.

soix
8,756 posts
 

While it obviously can happen in certain cases, I think it’s fair to say people who prefer other connections to i2S are in the minority so for most it would be worth exploring if their DAC has an i2S conncection. 

old_ears
41 posts
 
to ghdprentice

    Agree, I'm not sold on converting any native output signal, just adds interpellation (maybe good or bad).  What did make a very notable difference for me was using a cheap "break-out" box on an OPPO 83 HDMI output to separate the native I2s and feed it to a Pontus II.  Notably better than coax/optical/spdif sound from regular CDs.  Plus dsd layer output from SACD disks, a lot better!  If you have HDMI output from whatever device your not converting anything, just accessing part of the source native signal in this chain.

 

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