I2S Input - Is It Better?

Actually it is hard to tell if I2S is actually superior for there are very few devices for sale that go directly into an I2S connection--that is other than those that convert either spdif or USB to I2S. A quality DAC should already have quality spdif and USB inputs with the conversion to I2S done internally.

Some DAC I2S connections use ethernet connectors; some use HDMI cables. Mine uses both. The ethernet cables are fairly easy for an amateur to alter to meet I2S needs. Some units that feed into I2S have a bunch of dip switches so that no specially made up HDMI cable is necessary.

But I2S, which is how a DAC communicates internally, has never been much use to audiophiles as there are very few units that feed directly into it--the reason being that there are so few DACs with an I2S input. There are some bridges feeding I2S that are relatively expensive and one reasonably priced that is not a terribly high performer. So all the R&D goes into those feeding USB or spdif.

So theoretically yes, but in practice no.

Who ever thought this could be so confusing?  Anyway, I ordered a Holo Audio May DAC and my CD transport is a Jay's Audio CD-2MK2.  The transport has an I2S output and the DAC has an I2S input.  I'm going to contact the two manufacturers to see what they recommend.  I'll report back if I find out anything useful.  

Contacting the manufactures is the best thing to do. If I had I2S capability on both devices I would want to try using it.

Go to the Jay Audio CD-2MK2 page and copy the pinout of the I2S, send it to the Holo May support and they should be able to tell you the position the dip switches need to be. I personally don’t see the point since the player only puts out redhook any of the connections would be fine I would use the AES/EBU.

I wrote to Tim Connor at Holo Audio about this and here is what he wrote in response (My question was in regards to using a Jay's Audio CD Transport with the May DAC):

"The May dac has two i2s inputs and they are both configurable to any i2s pin out if you want. But come standard holoaudio type pin out which is indentical for psaudio except dsd channel left and right are reversed. But if you are using cd the dsd channels are not used anyhow. Most likely it’s psaudio i2s pinout. But you can refer to the manual for the jays Device.
Also the May dac has a Manual too, it’s downloadable from the product page. And explains how to set up i2s if you need to change it to something different."

I also asked Tim if there was any significant improvement using I2S vs. AES/EBU and here is what he said:

"Personally I’m all about i2s. It’s the best all around. With a good Hdmi i2s cable it’s definitely a step up. The aes/eBu is as good as spdif gets bit imo Spdif is a bit dated. We have overcome a lot , if not all usb shortcoming and i2s is just beyond that. I personally use i2s always"

My May DAC is supposed to arrive next week.  I'll plan to start using the AES/EBU input with my transport at first.  Once I get familiar with the sounds I will probably give the I2S a try.  

Cheers