DDC Comparisons

In order for dacs and DDC's to have universal compatibility with one another they must offer 8 different pin configurations.

The U18 has 4 different I2s settings. With my Gustard dacs I used the first setting (Gustard). With my new Audio Mirror Tubadour V, I use the #4 setting. That's the PS Audio setting which Tubadour uses. That feature alone makes the extra cost of the U18 plenty worth it.

I previously owned the Hermes and now the Singxer SU-6 (with a 9V LPS). The Hermes I had was glitchy and I couldn’t make it reliably work in my system. The Singxer does not audibly/significantly change the sound, either for the better or worse, but it has been operationally rock solid and it does allow me to use a variety of outputs. Also, its I2S output is adjustable for different pin configurations.

The SU-6 is currently on the sidelines, and I am running USB direct from my streamer into my DAC, with a Singxer UIP-1 (with Channel Islands 7V LPS) in-line to clean the USB signal. As with the SU-6, I do not hear anything particularly different with the UIP-1 in the chain, but nothing worse either. It sounds good, at least as good and maybe a bit better than with S/PDIF out of the SU-6.

The Matrix X+SPDIF 2 was one of the first. If your DAC makes the i2s interface sound better you would probably get better SQ with a different DAC.

Denafrips is going thru their lineup upgrading everything.  I would like to know if they will be upgrading all their DDC's.  

Oh crap, please disregard my prior recommendation on the U18.  I meant all else being equal I’d take the SU6 over the Iris. 🙄😖  I’m not familiar with the U18 but highly doubt I’d take it over an Iris.  Sorry for my confusion. 

If planning to use I2S for the long run make sure both dac and ddc have pin configuration ability. With this you can use ddc with any dac and vice versa.

As for ddc, I have Denafrips Gaia, wanted highest quality clock, power supply to that clock and usb optimization on input. I tried intermediate steps with I2S in the past, compared to my already optimized usb I2S was not an upgrade, adding the Gaia tuned the tables. However, not everyone is going to hear the full potential of Gaia with present streaming setups, Gaia for mature/fully optimized streaming setups.

Singxer SU6 is a nice mid price ddc, may find used or stretch the budget a bit.

@sls883 thanks for the tip - 

Something to consider is the pin out on the I2s connection. Your Gustard dac should have a pin out that matches the U18.

I’m using the shortest version of the cable linked below. It’s designed specifically for I2S. You want to use a short cable.

You could probably find a pin configuration that works with a Denefrips, but I'd look into it if are planning to go that route. 

https://wyred4sound.com/products/hdmi-pcocc-premium

@soix The Denfrips is over $100 cheaper, but the ease of Amazon returns might make it a good possibility....

I bought a used Iris for $400 and got a significant performance increase with my Musician Pegasus DAC using the i2S connection. On paper it seems like the U18 might be a slight step up but I’ve no idea how much better it sounds especially if you’re using an external clock, but I’m very happy with the Iris. All else being equal I’d probably go with the U18, and this like new unit through Amazon for $450 and free returns seems like a good deal. Hope this helps somewhat, and best of luck.

https://www.amazon.com/GUSTARD-U18-Interface-PCM768Khz-Isolation/dp/B09LLPX95Z/ref=asc_df_B09LLPX95Z?mcid=8872800d111a33a8ac411bebc884be6c&hvocijid=1220457581840140577-B09LLPX95Z-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1220457581840140577&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004289&hvtargid=pla-2281435177858&th=1

I'm connecting an Innuos Zen Mk3 streamer to a U18 and to a Gustard X-30 dac by i2s. It sounds great, but I haven't done any comparisons.