I wouldn't recommend a DDC unless you have your room dialed in meticulously, it is much more cost effective to use room treatments and DSP before getting a DDC.
Does a DDC make SQ of all basic streamer roughly equal?
Vinshine Audio has a YouTube video of a Lumin streamer and makes the point that a DDC is less critical with a good streamer such as the Lumin vs something like the BlueSound node.
Ignoring the higher end streamers of Lumin + Auralic, do you think a Denafrips Hermes DDC attached to any of the "entry level" streams effectively narrows the sound quality gap across models like BlueSound Node, Wiim Pro, Innous Mini, EverSolo, Matrix, etc, etc.
I understand a DDC can't fix everything, but does it get you close enough SQ wise, that you can simply pick your streamer based off your preferred user experience of the software? I do realize this is subjective.
I also wonder if that same Hermes DDC can elevate any regular CD player or BluRay player to the point where a dedicated transport (outside of the high end models like Jay's Audio) also won't had benefit to your CD playback.
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There are a lot of variables involved here, but it’s safe to say a DDC certainly can significantly improve streaming performance. A lot of it depends on what DAC you’re using and how much it can potentially benefit from using a better connection (like AES/EBU or i2S) and a better clock. In my case, being able to feed my Musician Pegasus DAC through its i2S input via a Denafrips Iris produced a big overall improvement in performance over using SPDIF. I don’t really think saying a DDC can potentially negate or minimize the need for a better streamer is the right way to look at this. Especially with streaming every link in the chain matters, and matters a lot, and going with a better streamer will likely produce improvements over and above what a DDC can do. I think it’s better just to think of the benefits a DDC may be able to bring to your system on its own and then consider every other link in the chain on their individual merits. Just my take and experience FWIW. |
Thanks @soix. I agree. My question was a bit theoretical, but I've had negative experiences with some streamers (quality of the app, needing to regularly reboot it). Most R&D in entry level streamers is SW rather than focusing on the sound quality feeding an external dac. I own an Denafrips ares12, and wondered if a DDC that provides like i2S comes really close to leaving the field of all the streamers in that < $1500 price range. I'd have to step up to a much higher end streamer to notice benefits.
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FWIW, another member here got an Iris to feed his Pontus II from its i2S input and noticed a significant improvement similar to what I experienced although I can’t speak to the benefits with the Ares12. Here’s a nice used Iris listed at $399, but as a new one can now be had for $550 I’d think you could get closer to $350 if you haggle a bit (if it doesn’t impress you can always turn around and sell it). Either way it’s still quite a bit cheaper of an upgrade than buying a new streamer. |
@soix thanks for the link! Excellent points and I'm curious to try |
No a cheap streamer please remember the 4-1 ratio which I learned owning a audio store in a $3k streamer only $750 actually goes into theProduct including packaging and fantastic stock power cord ! if you have a newer modem - router combo go to Linear Tube Audio they make a great Zlinear PowerSupply and comes with-a very good DC cableto go to the router ,a 3.1 docsis is the latest I bought the motorola 8702 much better and faster ,this linear powersupply made a big difference in fidelity and Ethernet switch upgrade the SW8 is a excellent buy under $600 with a OCxo over controlled lock,and linear power supply , on both at leasta decent powercord like Pangea awg14 se mk2 , and decent Ethernet cables ,bare minimum $200 -$500+ much better still ,usb also . I am speaking in doing this no matter what dac,and streamer you buy it counts in lower noise better fidelity. |