Tube DAC with i2s input?

While yes the Modwright is a better unit I fear a similar thing might happen?

I would be shocked if the Modwright didnt out perform the Hagerman.  I mean the power supply and the transformer alone are larger than the Hagerman (not that size alone matters)  Plus the addition of the Modright capacitors.  Not to mention the ability to switch between the 2×6SN7s or  2×6922s on the fly.  With the extra cash you could roll a bunch of tubes through there to dial in your warmth and dimensionality you desire.  As apposed to a shot and hope you hit the mark with a new DAC.

I2s is the best option to use, Ethernet 2nd, usb dead last. Don’t sacrifice sq, keep looking for an I2s dac

Tubadour V for sure.

Good thing I'm not anal about color. On my 3 racks I have 6 silver, 4 black and one grayish blue. Sounds great though.

I would look into the Aqua Acoustic Quality portfolio - I personally own their La Scala MK II DAC and I'm very happy.

I2s is the best option to use, Ethernet 2nd, usb dead last. Don’t sacrifice sq, keep looking for an I2s dac

@rbstehno  As someone who uses a DDC and i2S connection that’s not necessarily true.  It really depends on which input(s) the designer chose to optimize.  In some cases it’s i2S while in others it’s USB or AES/EBU.  Point is, great results can be had through any input so it completely depends on individual DAC implementation.  It’s far more important to get the DAC/sound right than worry about the connection type IMO.