If you still spin CD's their is a reference level Transport for reasonable money

I think the Rockna can perform preamp duties as well, but it would probably come down to how many sources you have as to whether or not that helps justify or offset any of its cost. I’m following Mike Powell on YouTube and his comparisons between Vermeer, Rockna, and Terminator are a lot of fun to watch, even if the format limits its ultimate effectiveness.

I wish they would settle on an i2s via HDMI standard, because as it stands I think there are some proprietary pinouts for sources and DACs so a custom cable may be necessary if the pinout on the CDT-2 isn’t exactly matching the DAC you end up with.

That said, and realize a LOT of variables have changed since this time, but I ran i2s from an audio PC to an Aqua DAC several years ago and just IMO, the Jay’s --> DH Labs Silver Sonic BNC --> Yggdrasil, which at least costwise is very equivalent to my old setup, is not just on another plane, it’s in another dimension for resolution and musicality. I say that just to make the point that i2s while theoretically better, it has its own limitations. Cable length used to be absolutely critical for it to work well. I used a 6" Cat6 cable back then, with the DAC stacked on top of the audio PC. Maybe it’s different now but just some food for thought.

@toddrhodes 

I'm currently running my CDT2 into a modified MHDT Labd Balanced Pagoda, and I think it sounds outstanding. However I feel as though there is more musical information to be had, as well as me wanting to get tubes out of my source.

The MHDT is good enough that I don't feel as though it is choking my system, but I do feel as though it may be a bottleneck, as every other component is pretty neutral. 

The Rockna seems to be the best bet for relatively sane dollars. If the Terminator wasn't voiced downwards, I'm sure it would be my choice. I'm also interested in reading opinions on the Jay's Audio DAC. If they can make their DAC as amazing as their transport......then maybe that's the one for me. Who knows.

@lordcloud   All of our gear is 'voiced' as it is designed by humans, most of whom (one hopes all) listen to their products through development to commercial release.

I have over a year of deep experience with this DAC. With multiple changes in amplification, server, player, power, cabling and isolation, it has stood the test of time and has kept pace with each system related change. In fact, as the system has been fine tuned and optimized it has scaled beautifully.

This product walks that very fine line between timing+musicality coupled with an extraordinary ability to retrieve musical information and convey it with nuance and subtlety, all the while maintaining that 'elusive' balance.

It took me awhile to realize just how resolving and detailed this DAC actually is. It's not something it shouts out, which says volumes.

All the best in your decisions and choice.

While all equipment has a voice, I am not sure that all of it is voiced to sound a specific way. Yes, most is, but many also want to simply let as much information through as possible, while not sounding amusical. Price, experience, knowledge, materials used, etc. dictate how much of a voice a component has. 

I think that components like the Rockna, MSB Select DAC II, Aqua Formula, etc., try to be as transparent as possible, while the Terminator tries to impose a specific sound on the signal it receives. All components have a sound, but some are more overt than others. The Terminator seems to have a more overt sound, which almost everyone seems to love. I am just not sure if I will, as I want as little of a component's sound as possible, and as much of the sound of the music as I can get. Even if that means it sounds really bad.

I believe a component can be extremely detailed while still being very colored. I want the detail, with very little color.

I think that components like the Rockna, MSB Select DAC II, Aqua Formula, etc., try to be as transparent as possible, while the Terminator tries to impose a specific sound on the signal it receives.

And how do you know this?  You have said you would like to audition it, correct?

The statements you have made are based on reading (as far as I can tell from your above posts). They are not accurate nor valid, like the one above and the one below: 

If the Terminator wasn't voiced downwards

I have no problem at all with you choosing another DAC. At the end of the day it's your system, your money, your decisions. But I do have a problem with the statements you have been making.

BTW and FYI, Srajan's 6Moons review of the Terminator compared it as being exceptionally close to the then Aqua Formula. The current xHD version is described as being ahead now, however at a price point of ~USD $17K.

Per your own definitions, I don't believe the Aqua will meet your needs as both it and the Terminator are "voiced" similarly, per the reviewer who has extensive experience with the Aqua Formula and which remains his primary DAC. 

I think the Rockna is an excellent option. Your statement of what you are looking for is commendable in it's honesty, though I don't believe the Rockna will sound "bad" at all : )

I want as little of a component's sound as possible, and as much of the sound of the music as I can get. Even if that means it sounds really bad.

I also want you to know that both the Rockna and the Aqua Formula xHD are DACs that are on my list, should I decide to bring in other DACs, at some point in the future. 

I'm letting the other readers know that the Terminator will deliver exceptional performance at a fraction of the cost of the other DACs mentioned.

In my experience, since October of 2017, and with over 2000 hours of dedicated evaluative listening, I can state with confidence that it is a highly resolving and highly musical DAC.

@teajay   TJ, my apologies for my non Jay's Audio Transport posts... I felt the statements being made needed to be addressed...I hope you understand.