Streamer/DAC combinations

If I were to buy a Denafrips Pontus II - 12th DAC, how much will I be leaving on the table if I can’t use the I2S connection?

@moonwatcher I’d ask @vthokie83 to chime in here as he has the Pontus 2 with the Iris, and we both realized very similar results by adding the Iris. I noticed a quieter, clearer background and a significant increase on overall clarity and a more open soundstage. I’ve read that some people actually prefer the sound of the Pontus with a DDC to the much pricier Venus, so I think another DAC in that price range would have a very high bar to meet. To me, adding the Iris to my Musician Pegasus and using i2S was like getting a big DAC upgrade, and as you can find a used Iris for around $400 that’s an absolute no brainer to me. If you go for i2S from a streamer you’re going to greatly limit your choices and likely pay up quite a bit for it. Better to go with an Iris, which also is a reclocker BTW, and have the freedom to get any streamer you want. My advice would be to get the Pontus and add an Iris when you can and you’ll be a very happy camper. That’s not to say the Pontus isn’t already excellent on its own but that there’s potentially even more to be had by eventually upgrading to i2S, which is really nice. Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck.

@soix thanks! Currently the Pontus II - 12th seems to be the "sweet spot". Might get one, then wait and get the Iris later on.  Although, I had the same question as @kmcong regarding the PS Audio DSD Mk1...whether on discount for its much reduced price would it best a similarly priced Pontus II -12th? Hard to know without doing an honest comparison. 

I am a bit confused by looking at the Iris' specs.  If it is a DDC with a "good" femto clock, why would anyone want to use an external clock feeding those two coax looking inputs on the back? Are even "better" external clocks available for those so inclined?  Thanks again for the info. Food for thought. 

Are even "better" external clocks available for those so inclined?

@moonwatcher Yeah, there’s alway better. The Hermes that’s the next model up uses an upgraded OCXO clock and also offers an SPDIF input, but it’s also much more expensive. All I can say is I’m super happy with the Iris and its “lowly” Femto clock.

BTW, the Pontus and PS Audio DACs sound quite different with completely different architectures and I wouldn’t consider them substitutes.  I’d suggest reading reviews of each to determine which gets closer to the sound characteristics you’re looking for.

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Moonwatcher,

First off, the Denafrips Pontus II (or 12th) is a really really good DAC on it's own.....and one of the greatest bargains in audio in my opinion at $1,800. Adding the Pontus II to my humble Node 130 streamer and the Audiolab 6000CDT transport gives surprisingly excellent SQ. To my ears an R2R ladder DAC sounds best, giving a more analog sound than say a Chord (which is too detailed for my ears).

Other positives for the Pontus is that it is a "true balanced" design, using two complete separate channels for each side of the signal.....and XLR outputs as well. Denafrips also is really good at releasing updates for the FPGA, putting out a couple a year to keep it updated. The distributor Vinshine Audio and it's owner Alvin Chee is excellent to deal with, and unlike many Chinese products, has a US based repair center...in Texas I believe.

Yes you can add a few bits to get even more out of the Pontus II if you choose, and I do have the Denafrips Iris DDC....and I personally preferred the Pontus/Iris combination to the next step up Denafrips Venus DAC.....I know several will disagree, but the Pontus II just has a lovely tone. You can always get the Pontus II 12th, and add an Iris if you want more out of it at a later date.

The Iris has a better internal "temperature controlled crystal oscillator" clock than the Pontus which uses a standard femto clock. In the case of a DDC with a DAC, the clock in the DDC is used rather than the one in the DAC......upgrading the signal to a TXCO clock. Additionally the Iris has an I2S output, and the Pontus II has a fully configurable I2S input.....which I have found to be superior to any other input into the Pontus II. I know others have found the same, not just with Denafrips, but other brands as well.

The Cliffs notes version of why, is that the internal signal transport in most digital audio equipment is I2S serial bus (built into the board, not a cable). Using I2S connections allows the I2S signal to transfer internally and externally from device to device without having to be converted to another format like (USB, SPDIF, Toslink, etc). The fewer times a signal is converted, the more stable and true it will be. NOTE: I am not an electrical engineer, so don't flame me if I got a point or two incorrect.

I just recently upgraded my speakers (Clayton Shaw Caladans), and my amplfier (CODA S5.5); and at no time have I thought the Pontus II was a weak link in the chain. It has held it's own with some seriously good equipment.