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

I’m fine with returning the U18, but I’m fully satisfied with the Harmony Micro DAC and the Rivo Plus/LPS I’m considering. If I ever need a DDC again, I’ll just get a better unit like the SU-6 or the Micro DDC. I’m not sure the folks making that statement have ever actually auditioned these units. I know exactly where the point of diminishing returns is for my system.

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. 

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.

By the way both DDC and dac use I2S clock, I2S is native pathway in every dac...

No.  Don’t assume that.  Go back to read your Harmony manual again regarding I2s Clock (Sec. 4.2).  It clearly says "This feature enables you to select between the local DAC clock or the I2S clock when utilizing the I2S input."  The ’local DAC clock’ option is manifest by itself.  If you opt for ’I2S clock’, the DAC will be slaved to DDC’s clock and use the I2S clock unless the I2S clock becomes unstable or incompatible. 

This is an unique feature offered by Harmony DAC and µDAC. 

It is good idea to try a good ethernet cable.  Thx.  Do I also need a good switch box and / or ethernet-optical-ethernet converter there, @audphile1, you think?