Does this dac exist?

An Empirical Audio Off Ramp or M2Tech Evo USB converters have I2S and would work with those players.

The EA Overdrive has I2S in, but according to the manual:

The Overdrive I2S input is compatible with the Empirical Audio I2S standard. It can be driven with a Pace-Car or an Off-Ramp.

So it sounds like in order to use the I2S input on the Overdrive, you must go:

computer -> USB -> Pace Car/Off Ramp -> I2S -> Overdrive dac.

I would like to go:

computer -> I2S -> dac.

As far as the M2Tech Evo, it is a USB converter, like the EA Off Ramp. What I am looking for is a dac that accepts I2S from the computer without the need for an additional converter.

Bryon

Wired 4 sound.

What I am looking for is a dac that accepts I2S from the computer without the need for an additional converter.

There is no such thing. In order to get I2S, you need audio controller. Whether built-in, USB or Firewire, there must be one.

Why I2S? You think it sounds best?

Best,
Alex Peychev

Here is what the Wyred DAC-2 manual says about its I2S input:

The W4S DAC-2 is equipped with a balanced I2S connection via HDMI. Please note that the DAC will NOT offer playback from typical HDMI output connectors found on many DVD players (or similar devices), and damage can occur if connected to such. The HDMI connector was uses for speed, noise rejection, and signal purity. With-in the connection, there are balanced versions of the I2S interface that offer superior connectivity to any source which can output the signal. At the time this manual was written, the only component capable of outputting the balanced I2S signal is the PS Audio Perfect Wave Transport. In the very near future W4S will be coming out with a modification program which will offer proper circuitry to be added to many components for those who wish to benefit from this jitter-free connection. Please contact us for more information and current options.

So the DAC-2 would not currently allow me to go:

computer -> I2S -> dac

Also, the DAC-2's I2S input is via HDMI. I should have made clear that I am primarily interested in finding a dac that allows for I2S over ETHERNET. In other words, I would like to go:

computer -> I2S via ethernet -> dac

The only dac I know that is currently capable of this is the PS Audio PerfectWave dac, but, as I mentioned in the OP, it cannot be controlled with non-proprietary software like Amarra and Pure Music.

03-16-11: Aplhifi
Why I2S? You think it sounds best?

I don't know whether I2S has the potential to sound better than asynchronous USB, but I suspect that the answer is: maybe.

It seems like there are two basic consideration for the quality of the computer/dac interface.

1. The correct data.
2. The correct timing.

It is my understanding that I2S over ethernet (a) would allow for error correction; and (b) would be very low in jitter (jitter free?). If that is true, it would seem to be the most promising interface between the computer and dac.

In addition, it is my understanding that I2S is the native interface of most dac chips. If that is true, then there would seem to be an inherent advantage in sending an I2S signal from the computer to the dac, avoiding conversions to USB, S/PDIF, etc..

I understand that implementation is everything, so that the use of I2S does not guarantee good performance. It just strikes me as the most promising approach for SQ and future proof-ness (to the extent that exists).

I am happy to be wrong about any of this.

Bryon