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I2S, S/PDIF, Toslink connections

In searching for a new DAC the input choices are many. There are several ways in which inputs can be connected to a DAC and this can be compounded when an USB/SPDIF converter is inserted between computer and DAC. I wish to learn more regarding the SQ as afforded by these inputs.

Specific questions:
I am of the understanding that coaxial is superior to toslink when connecting CDP to DAC. Is this true?

What is an I2S connection and what are advantages to this option? Uses an HDMI cable i believe.

Thanks in advance for helping with my understanding.
mesch

Showing 1 response by audiojan

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audiojan
390 posts
 
Most I2S is not over HDMI (except as Kr4 pointed out, for PS Audio), but there are several different I2S interfaces. The difference between the I2S and the common s/pdif is that the I2S includes the word clock communication, allowing a DAC to sync with a transport, minimizing jitter.

Coax (s/pdif) is superior to toslink (optical) in almost all applications (due to lower jitter amongst other things). AT&T is superior to s/pdif in most applications...

USB... can be a good interface, but many times, not very well executed. HDMI, potentially a very good interface, but contains all kinds of copy right protection which can screw up the sound...
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