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EverSolo DMP-A8 with Denafrips Pontus 15th, both have i2S

For the past couple of years I’ve been using a Bluesound NODE (N130) with a Denafrips ARES II DAC (USB). I liked it very much!

Well, I got the itch to not leave well enough alone, if you know what I mean!

I purchased an EverSolo DMP-A8, thinking this all-in-one could replace what I had. It sounds pretty good, but, started missing my Denafrips DAC (which I sold). A couple days ago I ordered from audioman58 (Thank you!), a Pontus 15th Edition, can’t wait to get it!

This brings me to my question please. The DMP-A8 has i2S Output, which I plan on using to input i2S on the Pontus 15th (I hope for compatibility?). Is there still a reason to get a Denafrips DDC? Or, am I most of the way there with i2S on both my streamer and DAC?

Thanks,

Tom

tom899
tom899 OP
11 posts
 

Thanks for the replies. So, If the Pontus i2S input is used, the Pontus clock is completely bypassed? Interesting, much more to think about now. In further research about the DMP-A8 i2S output, they claim it is a good DDC with Dual High Precision Clocks, quoting, 2 ultra-low phase noise femtosecond high-precision clocks for audio decoding circuit (45.1584MHz and 49.152MHz) etc.... Probably not as good as a Denafrips DDC, but maybe worth a try.

painter24's avatar
painter24
300 posts
 

As has been pointed out; if the clock in the DMP-A8 isn't as good as that in the Pontus, or indeed a Denafrips DDC, by using I2S out of the streamer in to the Pontus could mean you maybe actually losing performance not gaining any. 

Whether the clock in the DMP-A8 is better that those in the Denafrips DDCs, or the Pontus 15th I suppose is the question 

tom899 OP
11 posts
 

Well, I guess for the short term I should use USB from DMP-A8 to Pontus 15? That is if I can't hear a difference? I appreciate all information, whether it's good news or bad.

tom899 OP
11 posts
 

What should I be listening for, to compare two different DDC’s. I know this is probably a loaded question, and not sure if there is a good answer. Just reaching out and trying to learn.

mbolek
172 posts
 

Why would you want a DDC?  Use I2S from the A8 straight to Pontus.   Less is more!   In my case, I'm very happy with direct I2S from my A8 to a Harmony DAC.

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