I2S, S/PDIF, Toslink connections

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.

Steve, Cymbob is asking for coax INPUT, not output.

Steve, the only _input_ on the OR5 seems to be USB. And there's no USB Out from a Squeezebox Touch.

Cymbop - Actually you can stream USB output from SB Touch, but it requires a USB converter with Linux driver compatibility. The HiFace2 will work.

If you wanted to reduce jitter from S/PDIF coax or Toslink, this can be done with a reclocker like the Synchro-Mesh. Unfortunately, there are none with I2S outputs .... yet.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio