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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.

128x128alvinnir2

Showing 3 responses by j_andrews

j_andrews
146 posts
 

I had an Ares II fed by an Iris and when I added the Iris, there was a noticeable improvement .

*note - my Ares II didn’t even have I2S and it was still and improvement.

Also, when using my 30 year old California Audio Labs Sigma II tube dac, the Iris helped it in a few ways.  (1) It stopped the relay from triggering when skipping tracks while I’m streaming and (2) more importantly , it just brought more clarity and detail in the sound.  

All that said, I sold both the Ares II and the Iris and now I’m just running coax Spdif into a Border Patrol dac from my streamer and I’m happy as a clam.

j_andrews
146 posts
 

@medon78 

It's just an Ifi Zen Stream ...fed ethernet by an Uptone EtherRegen via a Triode Wire Labs "freedom" ethernet cable.

The Ifi Zen is powered by a 12V LHY linear supply.

Output from Ifi Zen is Triode Wire Labs coaxial Spdif into the BP Se-i dac.

Streaming Qobuz via the "JPLAY" universal app.

I've limited the resolution within Qobuz and JPLAY to top out at 24/96 since that is what the BP dac can handle.

When I use the old CAL Sigma dac, I have to limit it to 16/44.1

j_andrews
146 posts
 

@decooney

Ok, not sure if this is the right thread for it, but...

As others have mentioned, the BP is not a very detailed dac. It just isn’t....and yes, sometimes it’s a little soft. And I can totally see why some users move on from it as it probably leaves things on the table. However, in my system, to my ears, I often find myself connecting with music more and thinking about equipment less with it in the chain. I listen to all sorts of music , but have an affinity for real instruments recorded well and above-all, the compositions or song writing is what moves me more than audiophile perfection.

The BP dac, along with the rest of my modest system and my room as it’s configured, throws a realistic and just pleasing image. As I delve more into chamber music, I really appreciate the overall presentation as something that feels more natural to me.

The Ares II (with the updated firmware especially) was really nice. Obviously it’s not the last word in detail either ...but it just had a little sizzle that the BP didn’t ...and that might appeal to others.

I like trying different things and will probably level-up on my dac at some point in the future when funds allow.  Interested in trying some with really nice output stages in the future....Maybe the Bricasti M3 or Alstine digital pre. I don’t think I would sell the BP though.

hope that helps

JS

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