If you're not syncing dac to any outboard clock whether it be in ddc or streamer doesn't much matter. If you're syncing have to compare clocks in the two units. Also, evaluating quality of clocks involves how they are implemented, not only clock quality but also power supply to the clock. Quality of I2S cable also matters, no longer than .5m. By the way, I have Harmony with Denafrips Gaia DDC, sync'd to Gaia via Tubulus Ximius I2S cable. This superior to optimized usb vis Sonore OpticalRendu via Audioquest Diamond usb.
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.
Showing 4 responses by sns
Sync means using Gaia clock. By the way both DDC and dac use I2S clock, I2S is native pathway in every dac, you're bypassing dac I2S clock when syncing or using DDC or streamer with I2S interface. Perhaps some have used inferior DDC if found to be lacking vs other interface, I don't see much sense in using I2S if I2S clock implementation in dac superior or equal to DDC/streamer clock. |
@lanx0003 You're misunderstanding me. I2S is the native digital pathway in every dac, this is the DEFAULT clock used regardless of input chosen. Section 4.2 simply states one can sync or use DDC I2S clock OR use dac internal clock using async. Important point is local clock is in FACT a I2S clock, it is the native pathway in every dac, this just a matter of semantics.
And these are NOT unique features of udac and Harmony. Many dacs with I2S input and DDC offer sync or async options, as well as configurable pin. |
So instead of calling internal clock in dac I2S clock, it is most commonly or rightly called the master clock, this clock positioned adjacent to digital to analog conversion circuitry. Only a ddc or streamer with I2S clock can replace the internal master clock in dac. Using usb or any other input cannot defeat or bypass the internal master clock. The only reason external I2S clock can replace this dac master clock is it's use of I2S protocol. |