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What Digital to Digital Converter Do You Use? Why?

I have an iFi Zen Stream and am considering using a digital to digital converter to convert the iFi's USB to i2s into the May Holo DAC.

I guess the question that arises is if this approach is sonically better than USB directly into the DAC.

So, who can offer some advice based on personal experience?  Yes, I do realize that your DAC and streamer differ from mine.

 

vonhelmholtz
ghdprentice
7,682 posts
 

I always stay away from converters. Add extra stuff to the signal path is always a bad thing. I use what is native. 
 

Which input is better is always dependent on the output device and the input device. USB has recently added to the list of legitimate inputs. It was originally a computer thing and not associated with high end audio. Was added as folks with computers started using them as streamers. They are now becoming main stream.

soix
10,163 posts
 

Other than the Holo DAC I’ve never heard anyone say they preferred another connection to i2S.  Some extra connections are worth making it seems. 

jerrybj
869 posts
 

I know some people who prefer AES/EBU over I2S.

markkpa
14 posts
 

Wow!  So I’m not the only one!!  I have conducted several A/B tests between my Gustard U18 & PS Audio Directstream DAC with updated firmware - every time the AES/EBU wins hands down.

soix
10,163 posts
 

While it obviously can happen in certain cases, I think it’s fair to say people who prefer other connections to i2S are in the minority so for most it would be worth exploring if their DAC has an i2S conncection. 

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