DAC connection: which type gives highest fidelity?

+2 @twoleftears and @ghdprentice 

Building on their comments, the popularity/ubiquity of USB is pointing to manufacturers continuing to work towards optimizing it. They realize it will be most likely to be used (e.g. during reviews) and weak USB implementation will be an Achilles heel for product sales. 

Remember that I2S was originally used inside equipment and isn't standardized. Caution to do model-specific research if you're planning to pair devices with it. There are potential compatibility issues. Cheers,
Spencer

There are many variables to consider, above all the quality of the dac relative to the inputs. Schiit Bifrost 2 has a very well designed usb input that many rave about. Other dacs now offer I2s, which tends to be the cleanest/direct and most consistent digital connection…but again, depends on the internals. Types of chips, topology a s configuration, and then output stage of the dac involved. I’m personally going to be moving my steaming source from coax to I2s by connecting it to my recently purchased Topping D70s. This dac is pretty exceptional for the price, already sounding better than my previous through every single connection (haven’t tried the aes yet).

Reason I ask:

Considering a Denafrips ladder dac (probably the Pontus II), into which I would run a Node 2i.

Want to know what I'm doing and what to expect before I jump.

Thanks!

@bobbydd

a word of caution to you

the dena dacs’ input card has issues receiving a hi res signal (above redbook) from the bluesound node/node 2i (pontus, ares 2, gaia)

it is the ONLY family of dacs that has input compatibility issues with the node digital out... and i have had 40+ dacs in my system since january 2020 (no exaggeration)

alvin says the digital signal output of the node is 'on the low side', and the input receiver of the gen 2 denafrips gear thus won’t recognize it (you get a bunch of subtle pops coming through the system as opposed to music when this happens) - alvin says ’just use the optical connection’

so be warned...

WOW my computer to DAC connection is schizophrenic. My older DAC does have USB, It's a CAL Alpha.  My newer Mini Mac does not have Toslink/Fiber.  I use a USB to Coax Adapter.  Sounds great if you considering the age of my gear.