Should I add a DDC? Looking for experienced advise please.
So I will make this as basic as possible. I am just trying to decide if adding a DDC is relevant in my system.
I am currently running. Innuos ZEN mini MKiii with Innuos power supply, Denafrips Pontus II into an Aric Audio 6snl7 line stage that's been upgraded by Aric. For power I am bi-amping with a Aric Audio super KT88 120 SE on the upper end. A pair of Pass labs ACA's built with all upgraded components and some mods on the low end. Into Monitor audio silver 500's. All cabling DIYed with hi quality ingredients and the guidance of Mr. Wonka!
I understand my speakers are probably not the best choice but this is where I am at the at this point. Actually I am quite happy with the sound. I stream Tidal and Qobuz as well as my CD collection via hard drive.
So am I just "pissing in the wind" thinking adding a Denafrips Hermes between the ZEN mini and Pontus II is going to give me any improvement at all?
Would love to hear some input from experience!
Thank you.
J.F.
@jjss49 That's where I'm at and not positive of what approach to take or if its even necessary. Do I add something at the ethernet/ZEN junction, or between the ZEN and Pontus and convert to I2s? Where would I see the most benefit if at all? I'm not sure I want to add another component to be honest. Just trying to get an idea of others experience and decide if its for me or not. J.F. |
@yyzsantabarbara WOW! Is this the guy that writes Kamala's que cards? That's what I would call a de constructed word salad there! |
@yyzsantabarbara Got it! I dont use a computer for anything other than to control my Innuos (yes I know the Innuos is a computer). You have way too many things in your chain for me. Thats why I am trying to figure out if adding one more piece is worth adding one more piece! @soix Thats what my conclusion seems to be. |
@yyzsantabarbara Ok. I have a cheap computer. Its called a Zen mini MKiii by Innuos. Its designed to handle music and that's it. It cost $1000 with external Innuos power supply. I don't use Roon as I can't justify the cost. The Innuos sense 2.0 app works great for me and its free. I pay about $25 a month total for Qobuz and Tidal. So following your path it sounds like I would need to add 4 more components to my system. 1, another cheap computer. 2, an OpticalRendu. 3, a media converter. 4, a network switch and all the extra cables and power supplies. Since I don't have a multi story house to hide this stuff in as you do. I would have to try and put it all in my listening room. Being a simple average person the space also doubles as my dinning room when someone thinks they want to eat! This is kind of why I am interested in the Denafrips Hermes option. I have one available to me for $1000. It has an optical isolation stage within plus would allow me to connect to my Pontus ii via I2S. Going this direction I add 1 component the Hermes, 1 power cable and a short HDMI cable. What I am trying to decide is if I think its worth the $1000 or not. Starting to think I might just go for it and see for myself, I shouldn't have any trouble getting my money back if I decide it wasn't worth it. J.F.
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