Hi Martin
These drive I2S via LVDS sender and receiver which is good for up to 100Ft.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/twisted-pear/201106-introducing-bit-teleporter.html
I use them to keep my USB I2S card next to my PC (yup PC based but if you wanted to use a CD player SPDIF input for the DAC it may be easier) and have my DAC and sound system 20Ft or so away so a convenient set up (pushes the price up a little also).
you could add an SPDIF-I2S board to the DAC that you've posted above which may sound good or maybe not.
i've not had a listen to that one so can't comment SQ wise
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They work pretty well in my WaveIO/BuffaloIII set up.
Hi Smoothquark
From what I’ve read the ESS9018 is pretty fussy about the PSU’s feeding it so that’s worth thinking on IE needs a good one to get the best out of it.
Also the cost of the unit you posted?
For my part I have a BuffaloIII and unless that unit you've posted above is waaaaay cheaper then it I’d go for the Buff and maybe ask for help with the soldering side of things.(it really is a wonderful DAC IMHO. maybe if you could find a member nearby who has one then a listen may be possible)
To be honest most of the build is plug and play with only the BalSE/Legato OP stages to worry about.
there is a great Buffalo build thread right here in the DIY section.
if you do go for the board you've posted do let us know how it sounds.
i'm sure people will be interested in your thoughts
Just a few thoughts.