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 2 responses by moonwatcher

Your Gustard U18 mitigates jitter to as low as 38fs according to the specs. Have you seen anything in the other DAC or source that says they beat that? 

@lanx0003 ah, that Singxer SU-6 looks a lot better...Thanks. Just wonder what numbers the OP would end up with going directly from his Volumio Rivo Plus to the LAIV Harmony DAC via I2S? Would they be helped by the Singxer SU-6? 

Thanks for the input. It is telling that often specs that are advertised aren't always necessarily the ones to be basing purchasing decisions upon.