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 agree that there is a lot of contradictory information out there on various topics. Im a little ignorant when it comes to digital/streaming so misinformation in that arena can really set me back lol. Side Note- I ordered a Laiv uDac today. Still have my Pontus 15th but I've been wanting to get a feel of a different R2R..I wanted to try the micro dac. Especially after you personally preferred it over your D90 III. |
@mattw73 I think you won’t be disappointed, but your expectations might be different. I came from a flat SS, uninvolving DAC, whereas you had the Pontus 15th. The DH Labs HDMI cable and U18 DDC also make a difference to my system, but you already had quality cabling in place. I’m just grateful I took your advice to be patient—the payoff has been great. |
@lanx0003 I would say that my expectations aren't too high..as I don't know for certain what to expect. I'm thinking maybe a slight loss of inner detail & slightly added distortion/warmth with the Laiv. I just don't know..but I would be ok with that outcome. There are a lot of very positive user reviews on the uDac. Where it just seems to hit the right "musical" spot. 15th is a great dac. I have a feeling that the Laiv is too. I will say that customer service or correspondence is better thru Laiv. More engaging & he seems to take a real interest in the customer. I appreciate that & it means something to me. |
@mattw73 I don’t know about Denafrips’ customer service after they shifted their dealership from VinShine, as I don’t own any of their products. But with Laiv, I’ve had numerous correspondences—technical questions and product inquiries—and I always receive first-hand responses from either Weng or Soon within 24 working hours (there is 12 hrs time diff.). Great service, bar none. @sls883 You’re right about the I²S compatibility. I moved the U18 to pair with the Topping D90III Discrete via I²S, and there’s no static noise—so it seems there’s no issue with the used U18 I got. Now, my second rig sounds noticeably better, again, with the Wiim Ultra + U18 combo. I recall you mentioned trying to get a Wiim Ultra for your son. Is it still around? If so, I’m curious whether you could conduct a no-confirmation-bias comparison between that combo and the Innuos Zenith Mk III (if that’s the one you have), to see how closely the combo performs against the Zenith. Is it doable? Thx. |
