What Digital to Digital Converter Do You Use? Why?

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.

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. 

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.

@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.

Well, I just took the plunge and bought a Denafrips Iris DDC.  My Pegasus DAC shares some of its DNA with the Pontus ll, and the review of the Iris on The Audio Beatnik makes me pretty confident I’ll realize some significant benefits.  I was eyeing the new Musician Pisces DDC as it would obviously pair well with my DAC, but on further review the Iris and Pisces look like clones in specs and on the inside (maybe not all that surprising as like the Pontus and Pegasus they come from the same factory), and I was able to get the Iris used for $399 so that pretty much sealed the deal.  I’ll report back with comparisons to USB in my HeadFi rig, but I’m due to get my DNA 0.5 back from SMcAudio soon with full upgrades and I think hearing it in my 2-channel system will be even more telling and will share those impressions too if anyone is interested.