Eversolo T8

The conventional wisdom seems to be that electronics do not require a break in period.   I do not know if this is always true.  In my case, within a short time of getting the T8 I upgraded the power cable and interconnects between the DAC and Integrated amp.   In addition I reduced the DAC output to the amp by 20 db.  Today, I find the SQ to be very pleasant, tight bass, detailed but not at all fatiguing or bright.  Initially it seemed it might be but after these changes, it is definitely not.  Of course I made 3 changes at essentially the same time so cannot pinpoint which specifically had the biggest impact but my hunch is reducing the DAC output probably made the most difference.  As of now I probably have 50 hours of listening to the T8.  Hope this is helpful.  

Anyone compared I2S vs usb out to an r2r dac such as Denafrips Pontus or Venus and which connection you liked more?

@analoguefan 

I have Gustard x30 and R30

I2S most pinpoint imaging, detailed but smallest soundstage and most analytical. 
USB sounds better to me than I2S. Still detailed but bigger and fuller sound than I2S. 
AES sounds the best in my system. Super smooooth. Most holographicfront to back. 
 

if I was showing off my system to someone, I’d use USB. It’s very detailed and neutral. “Audiophiles” might find it “dry” or “sterile.” For listening hours on end, I prefer AES. 

@kumizi thanks for sharing. I may give the AES a try very soon and report back. I definitely stopped listening to reviewers because some say I2S the way to go along with sfp ex Hans Beekhuyzen and others such as IIWI saying USB is better with his Denafrips dac. 

@analoguefan I have used both USB and I2S from my T8 to my Denafrips Pontus 15th anniversary and for my ears the I2S is hands down the better performer.  Simply more clarity and detail and great soundstage width and depth.  I run this digital chain through my Hegel 390 via XLR and then from there to B&W 803Ns.