Received my Denafrips Venus 15th

ejspain2020

Thank you, it's a complicated subject to be sure. Best to you

The purpose and reasoning for DDC/I2S explained well from above posts.  I'll add its not only clock topology that's important, implementation of these clocks extremely important, this means power supplies must be optimal. What this means is a well implemented  TXCO or Femto clock could outperform a poorly implemented OXCO clock. I should also add the clocks themselves can vary in quality.

Quality of streamer may or may not make a difference, its all about  interface quality/implementation\. Don't automatically assume any or all interfaces within any streamer is optimized to the highest level. A quality DDC unit that optimizes both input and output interfaces, and has optimal clock and clock implementation may  offer superior sound quality vs streamer. And then we have the possible inherent advantage of shorter signal path within dac when using I2S interface (dacs convert any input to I2S), one avoids using other input detour via ddc with I2S out. And then we have to consider how well I2S implemented  DDC vs. dac, is the dac internal I2S equal, superior, inferior to DDC I2S?  All in all there are so many variables at work here, main one is how does DDC I2S compare to the particular dac you're using or contemplating purchasing. I chose the Denafrips Gaia for it's greater potential in providing superior I2S vs most any dacs internal I2S.

Hi @zaxx40, thanks for sharing your experience. What's the correct clock output setting for syncing with the Arce streamer? Looking at the manual, I'm a bit confused with the 4 options available:

CLOCK OUT light ON + COAX light ON = Output and input signal sampling rates are equal word clock.

CLOCK OUT light ON + AES1 light ON = Digital Clock Output

CLOCK OUT light ON + AES2 light ON = Half of the main clock output

CLOCK OUT light ON + OPT light ON = Main clock output

I recall I did the option for the Gaia

DENAFRIPS VENUS 15TH Clock Out setting

1. Press the Mute button to enter the mute/Setting mode

2. Tap the input button multiple times. When you press/release the Input-button, you will see the

leds light up in the following order

·COAX (no clock output)

·AES1 (44.1K/48K)

AES2 (24/25Mhz) <- for Soundaware

·OPT (45/49Mhz) <- for GAIA

·I²S-A (CLOCK output is disabled, please note that the CLOCK LED will also be turned off)