I2S - Pissed off Audiophile - “I want my I2S” ! Episode 2

Shame on ALL high dollar DAC manufacturers for not providing an I2S connect as standard like Toslink & S/PDIF is.

[SteveD-mz]

The advantage of the I2S format over S/PDIF is that the bit-clock and serial data lines are separate. This circumvents the need to recover the clock frequency via a PLL (phased lock-loop) in the DIR (Digital Audio Interface Receiver) chip. This can be advantageous to help eliminate jitter when the internal clock in the DAC isn’t very good. The higher cost DACs identify the sample-rate of the incoming data stream and then re-clock the signal using an internal high quality master clock. The circuit topology of the DAC will determine if there’s any benefit to having a I2S digital input.

[SteveD-mz]

The PS Audio Directstream DAC will be a better match for DSD64 (2.8224MHz SACD format). The DAC topology is based on an over-sampling DSD convertor. Conversely, the PS Audio StellerGold is based on an ESS Technology Sabre ES9038Pro 32-bit HyperStream 8-Channel DAC chip. The stereo configuration uses four paralleled DAC per channel to help improve the dynamic range and signal to noise performance. The ESS DAC architecture appears to be a multi-bit sigma-delta converter. The chip’s over-sampling digital filter processes PCM format data and is bypassed for a native DSD stream. However, the chip only handles native DSD1024 the lower sample-rates are supported by DoP (DSD over PCM). The on-line reviews for the StellerGold DAC are very positive and it is probably a great DAC. Most user will be using PCM format data-streams.

[suwatt]

I2s rules - Jay Rules - and Joey drools! PS your dogs are cute.

[riccitone]

Totally hear you…my favorite Dac - best I’ve ever had - does not have one. Still sounds great via AES, but can’t help wondering what the delta would be with I2S. That being said, some dacs are so well designed in the conversion stage that they sound excellent even via coax. But still 🙏🏼

[carminedesanto]

GM☕️
I’ve got i2S on my Denafrips Ares …it’s heading into being new go to standard for higher end gear ..but you’re right …🤔

[intoitreviews]

I want ethernet on all my dacs and it isn't always included either. I have limited use for i2s per say, but I need to borrow your SACD collection at some point.😊

[thinkIndependent]

The real problem with I2S, left or right justification on the header and no real standard beyond the pin assignment names

[thinkIndependent]

Not really a PROBLEM (2) for $6.00 HDMI header breakout (with Terminal Screws)on Amazon I even connect PI Hat to my DDC that starts from X86 mini CPU that being said Pay for galvanic isolation boards (I2S) $27 on Ebay.

One more thing that DC to DC converter tou connected ro Leo's 1st DAC run it a low ESR cap bank before the input and a 4 amp L/C on the output ( Super Clean Ultra Low Noise )

[davestevens]

Over 95% of all music ever recorded is PCM.