Streamer/DAC combinations

@soix If I were to buy a Denafrips Pontus II - 12th DAC, how much will I be leaving on the table if I can't use the I2S connection? Overall, would I be better served by buying a different DAC in the same price range or would I still get a lot of the benefits from the Pontus?  Thanks. I just don't see myself spending enough on a streamer to get one that has I2S out, yet I want a "good" DAC. 

If I were to buy a Denafrips Pontus II - 12th DAC, how much will I be leaving on the table if I can’t use the I2S connection?

@moonwatcher I’d ask @vthokie83 to chime in here as he has the Pontus 2 with the Iris, and we both realized very similar results by adding the Iris. I noticed a quieter, clearer background and a significant increase on overall clarity and a more open soundstage. I’ve read that some people actually prefer the sound of the Pontus with a DDC to the much pricier Venus, so I think another DAC in that price range would have a very high bar to meet. To me, adding the Iris to my Musician Pegasus and using i2S was like getting a big DAC upgrade, and as you can find a used Iris for around $400 that’s an absolute no brainer to me. If you go for i2S from a streamer you’re going to greatly limit your choices and likely pay up quite a bit for it. Better to go with an Iris, which also is a reclocker BTW, and have the freedom to get any streamer you want. My advice would be to get the Pontus and add an Iris when you can and you’ll be a very happy camper. That’s not to say the Pontus isn’t already excellent on its own but that there’s potentially even more to be had by eventually upgrading to i2S, which is really nice. Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck.

@soix thanks! Currently the Pontus II - 12th seems to be the "sweet spot". Might get one, then wait and get the Iris later on.  Although, I had the same question as @kmcong regarding the PS Audio DSD Mk1...whether on discount for its much reduced price would it best a similarly priced Pontus II -12th? Hard to know without doing an honest comparison. 

I am a bit confused by looking at the Iris' specs.  If it is a DDC with a "good" femto clock, why would anyone want to use an external clock feeding those two coax looking inputs on the back? Are even "better" external clocks available for those so inclined?  Thanks again for the info. Food for thought. 

Are even "better" external clocks available for those so inclined?

@moonwatcher Yeah, there’s alway better. The Hermes that’s the next model up uses an upgraded OCXO clock and also offers an SPDIF input, but it’s also much more expensive. All I can say is I’m super happy with the Iris and its “lowly” Femto clock.

BTW, the Pontus and PS Audio DACs sound quite different with completely different architectures and I wouldn’t consider them substitutes.  I’d suggest reading reviews of each to determine which gets closer to the sound characteristics you’re looking for.

Check out the ASR reviews ont the miniDSP SHD

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