2. digital
  3. 195055-161121

Do I still need a DDC in between?

This is my current rig:

Wiim Ultra (DH Labs Mirage / Cardas Clear USB, 0.5m) → Gustard U18 (DH Labs HDMI 2.1, 0.5m) → Harmony μDAC (Mogami quad XLR) → Parasound A23 (Belden 5T00UP) → Wharfedale Linton

The sound is very good to my ears—excellent tonality, detail, and especially soundstage, with impressive height and depth. However, I’m considering trying the Volumio Rivo Plus released recently, which offers an I²S-over-HDMI connection.

My question is: would I still need the DDC (i.e., Gustard U18) in between, or would a direct I²S connection from the Rivo+ to the Harmony μDAC deliver comparable or even better sound quality? Have you had any direct or similar experience with this kind of setup? Any advice would be appreciated.

lanx0003

Showing 4 responses by audphile1

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,649 posts
 

Return the DDC. It’s garbage.
Save the money and get a better dac and better streamer.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,649 posts
 

You do not need a DDC. To improve your system further when the Volumio arrives and goes thru full break in, try a good Ethernet cable. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,649 posts
 

Nope. Keep it simple. Just the highest quality cable you can get. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,649 posts
 

Wait I’m confused….

I thought there isn’t a scenario where the DAC master clock is bypassed. Doesn’t matter what input you use the DAC clock has to provide timing reference for the Digital to analog conversion. Where is it stated that the internal clock is bypassed if i2s input is used? 
Is there a clock sync on the LAiV DAC?

More to discover