I am using a Denafrips Hermes 12th DDC. I needed a way to tie in a Lumin U2 Streamer and a Bluesound Node N130 w/Linear Power Supply going out Coax to my Gan 1 amp. I use USB from the U2 and Coax from the N130. The upgrade in sound quality from the N130 is very big. This was a very good upgrade for my system. Make sure to try different power cords on the DDC.
Do I really Need a Digital to Digital Converter?
Over the last few years I have continued to upgrade my digital front end and currently use an Auralic G2 (with upgraded power supply) and a Musician Pegasus R2R DAC. Some of the (mostly Asian) DAC manufacturers also make digital to digital converters (like the Denefrips Iris and Hermes).
So my questions are, if what these DDCs do so important, why aren’t they built into into DACs or Streamers in the first place. Are they only incorporated in higher end digital gear but not gear at the level I am using?. What will adding one of these bring to the table or should I just upgrade my DAC or Streamer to get the same result? Do I really need another piece of gear and another set of cables to clutter up my rack?
Appreciate input from anyone who as direct experience with these DDCs in their audio journey.