I2S, S/PDIF, Toslink connections

Mesch- the Empirical Audio Off-Ramp 5 outputs both differential HDMI I2S and single-ended RJ-45 I2S. it works with W4S DAC2, PS Audio PWD, Northstar, Stello, Empirical Audio, Perpetual Technologies, Buffalo and others.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Steve, please consider including a coax input on the Offramp 5 so that I can buy one to put between my Squeezebox Touch and my W4S DAC2. I would really like to try feeding the DAC2 via I2S.

Cymbop - It has Coax. The OR5 has BNC coax (with RCA adapter), AES/EBU, RJ-45 I2S and HDMI differential I2S. All active at once.

The OR5 USB interface does not currently support Linux without a special driver. OR6 will be XMOS, so it will work. OR5 is upgradable.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

did some extensive testing of the I2S connection when i got my PS Audio PWT/PWD back in 2009. all three listeners easily preferred the I2S connection....and i stress the "easily" part as it was obvious to us. we went on to compare the set-up to higher priced gear and the I2S connection held its own...besting transport/dac combo's that cost considerably more. the same was *not* true when we used rca or xlr with the PWT/PWD.

i walked away thinking I2S was the difference maker when properly implemented/executed. i still believe that today.

just my 2 cents though. your mileage could vary.

Again, I wish to thank all for their comments. When I upgrade I wish to take advantage of the I2S interface.

Steve, I must add that I very much appreciate the Empirical Audio Web page information.