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Best DAC for I2S input

Victor BR

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As no review was ever made using the I2S pseudo superiority because of the clock separation I wonder who would be the winner when this input is used. Any thoughts????
 
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Victor BR

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My point is I use player with I2S output only. Oppomod UHDP203 heavy modified to be an universal transport with only an I2S output. Currently using one PS AUDIO DIRECTSTREAM DAC.
 

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gvl

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I2S was a way to send high PCM and DSD rates early on as USB inputs were limited at the time. There's no reason to use I2S in this day and age, it provides no technical or functional benefit over USB connection and being succeptible to various issues ranging from compatibility to signal degradation is very likely to perform worse on the test bench.
 
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Victor BR

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So why all DACs winning top positions here have an I2S input?
Many of them do not reach the same high DSD rates with USB input than with I2S input.
 

Jimbob54

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So why all DACs winning top positions here have an I2S input?
Many of them do not reach the same high DSD rates with USB input than with I2S input.

Well, them having i2S inputs didnt contribute to the measurements that won them the positions in the rankings so your guess is as good as mine.
 

Martin

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The top rated DAC with an I2S input is the SMSL M400. The Loxjie D50, Gustard X16 and Mola Mola Tambaqui also have one. They should all be equally transparent.

Martin
 

gvl

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So why all DACs winning top positions here have an I2S input?
Many of them do not reach the same high DSD rates with USB input than with I2S input.

Most can do DSD512 I think, for 1024 you need I2S. If that is your use case sure, use I2S, just don't expect it be better than USB in general.
 

JSmith

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So why all DACs winning top positions here have an I2S input?
So people who think I2S has some kind of advantage don't pass on their product... it's pretty clear from Amir's testing that it's useless and possibly a liability.



JSmith
 

MacCali

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Hmmmmm I am looking at this right now... being cracked out and ready to waste more moneyo_O

I am going to purchase a denafrips gaia or hermes, most likely gaia.. what I am contemplating is do I feed the dac with coax, AES EBU, or I2S. My current dac is the d70s and I really enjoy it a lot. I am just completing the final steps before I setup my full stereo system which is now complete besides this final piece which I am trying to figure out. any thoughts?

I would of bought the iris and the master clock as they suggested it's a better deal especially if you only plan to use USB. Yet, I do not have anything to feed the master clock or any dac which has clocked connections. Which would cost nearly as much as the Gaia solo, but I think since I do not have those things the gaia is going to be the best route with the larger OCXO

And the setup will be Pi2AES > Gaia > D70s > PRE90 > Mono Blocks.
Did I smoke too much?
 

MaxBuck

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Hmmmmm I am looking at this right now... being cracked out and ready to waste more moneyo_O

I am going to purchase a denafrips gaia or hermes, most likely gaia.. what I am contemplating is do I feed the dac with coax, AES EBU, or I2S. My current dac is the d70s and I really enjoy it a lot. I am just completing the final steps before I setup my full stereo system which is now complete besides this final piece which I am trying to figure out. any thoughts?

I would of bought the iris and the master clock as they suggested it's a better deal especially if you only plan to use USB. Yet, I do not have anything to feed the master clock or any dac which has clocked connections. Which would cost nearly as much as the Gaia solo, but I think since I do not have those things the gaia is going to be the best route with the larger OCXO

And the setup will be Pi2AES > Gaia > D70s > PRE90 > Mono Blocks.
Did I smoke too much?
You realize neither of these two overpriced devices will accept I2S as input, right? Which is the raison d'etre of this thread.

Crack is wack.
 

MacCali

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You realize neither of these two overpriced devices will accept I2S as input, right? Which is the raison d'etre of this thread.

Crack is wack.
Lol I don’t smoke crack but audio sure feels that way. Did I not mention my pi2aes via AES or Coaxial to the Gaia? Thought I did. Then the Gaia to the D70s via I2S or Co or AES

Edit: I may add that my previous setup as my PC as a source was dramatically improved by adding a Schitt eitr. Which I got b stock for like a ~100. Yes I am certain my pc has far more jitter vs my pi2aes.

Possibly striving for foolish improvement at this stage but I’m looking for the best possible performance.
 
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MacCali

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I think Pi2AES via I2S to D70s is all you need for great sound. Of course run XLR from D70s to PRE90.

Check out GoldenSound channel on Youtube:

How do DDCs improve audio? (Denafrips Hermes, Pi2AES, Schiit Eitr, ifi Igalvanic)​

I've actually watch that before a long time ago, forgot about the bit perfect stuff. Yes, I will be running XLR
 
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