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reliable DDC

I'm in need of a good DDC for a DAC that only takes SPDIF input. So I need USB > SPDIF. I own a Gustard U18 and it's working, but I've read a lot of stuff about reliability problems with Gustard or Chi-fi in general. The only other audiophile level DDC I know of is the Denafrips, also Chinese. Are there any audiophile level DDCs made elsewhere in the world (say, USA?)

 

magon
soix
10,166 posts
 

I bought a used Denafrips Iris and have had no problems whatsoever nor have I heard of anyone having issues with their DDCs, and the Singxer SU6 is maybe even a little better and have seen no issues with that unit either.  Not sure what you’ve been reading, but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another ChiFi DDC. 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,106 posts
 

I use a Mutec MC3+USB    It’s a reclocker and converts inputs to Coax , TOS, or AES.  It does a great job of converting USB to Coax. 

mitch2
4,225 posts
 

A lot of DDCs are manufactured in China, although dcs makes one that is manufactured in England.  The Berkeley Alpha USB is manufactured in USA and there are probably more. 

The Singxer SU6 measures well and has worked well for me.  It is not in my system now since the two DACs I currently have are optimized by the USB input. I also owned a Gaia that worked.  If I were buying new, I would look at the Holo Red, which measures well and is also a streamer.

magon OP
88 posts
 

Regarding reliability with ChiFi, I have a Gustard x20 pro. The display has paritally failed. I also read some threads online about similar display failures in their headphone amps or preamps, and in the case of a headphone amp, a failure of the volume control relays.

paulcreed
567 posts
 

I bought a used Iris12th from Denafrips repair center and it failed, maybe it was a faulty unit that was sent in for failure, repaired and failed again, sent it back. Bought a used one off USAM and it did fine, sold it still playing with no issues. 

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