multiblitz
I will have a deeper look into I2S realizations when I cross the bridge, which is not at the moment.
I am completely with you: I am VERY suspious about ANY additional chips additionally in the signal path.
I learned that the USB 3.0-OUtput which goes directly out of the SoC of the Z8350 sounds SOoooooo much better than the Usb 2.0 OUt where the signal goes through another USB-controller.
Equally, on I2S is saw that the NanoPiNeo3 offers as a soundcard “I2S” over Alsa immediately using an included DAC-Chip…which seem to be included in the Rockchip…so as well a solution with the same chip…promising…