Input Options:
DAC’s will have multiple input options, so which one is best? I will summarize the pros and cons of the 4 most common inputs:
Asynchronous USB
Pros:
- Extremely low jitter
- Convenient
Cons:
- Not galvanically (electrically) isolated meaning noise will reach the DAC from the source, and not suitable for long runs (>16ft) of cable
Toslink
Pros:
- 100% galvanically isolated.
Cons:
- Has variable issues with jitter due the signal not being asynchronous
- Not particularly convenient
Coaxial
Pros:
- Convenience
- can support sample rates higher than 96kHz
Cons:
- has varying levels of jitter, and is not galvanically isolated, leading to some level of noise reaching the DAC
I2s
Pros:
- Different parts of the signal are separated out, which produces some of the cleanest sound possible
- Can be used with a simple HDMI cable
Cons:
- I2s is not nearly as common as the other connection options, despite its benefits.
Not every input on a DAC will sound the same, so it is best to try each one and decide what works best both from a sound quality perspective and a convenience perspective.