Should I add a DDC?

Thank you @jastralfu! Very helpful. Appreciate the detailed reply, especially as a Pontus owner. 

Thank you @painter24 . I did not want to spend that much for Hermes. So, you’re using the Iris with the Pontus? 

Thanks again @jastralfu, yup, trying for once to take the pain of the cost up front vs repackaging, taking pics, and selling the Iris down the line. I’ve always ended up in this position, so this time I’ll take the pain of the cost up front to get it right first time😂

Appreciate the advice and support!

Rear its ugly head-Freudian slip😂😂. God do I wish it would rest it’s ugly head😂

Have been doing a ton of research and it does appear the Hermes would be best with the Pontus. Hate spending that much though🤦🏼‍♂️. But I know me and if I go for Iris the upgrade disease will rest its ugly head. It hasn’t stopped yet so why would it now…

@painter24, this would be my fault. Apologies my friend😬

Thank you again, All. Always appreciate folks time and advice😊

@sns thank you for the word of caution. This is why I’m doing quite a bit of research and reading many reviews. I actually posted a while back about is there a point at which we over-tweak to the point that it starts taking away from the sound. I already have an iFi Silencer, ADDPowr Symphony between network, streamer, and Pontus DAC. Now I’m ready to add another piece, a DDC…

All of this said, I have yet to read a review where someone said adding an Iris or Hermes didn’t improve the sound. Every review I’ve read the consensus goes from “audible improvement” to “significant improvement”. I’ve done enough research at this point to be comfortable pulling the trigger…

Now just have to gather the funds and see if I can make it happen. I have decided on the Hermes. Again all signs point toward the Hermes being worth doubling the cost of Iris…

BTW, DH Labs is running 20% off site wide!!! Going to jump on that with HDMI and power cable when I pull the trigger for Hermes😊😊

@sls883 Glad to help! The crazy thing is I literally just got my final price request from The Cable Co yesterday, on the DH Labs power cable and HDMI cable. Was ready to pull the trigger today until I saw the email from DH Labs this morning! Crazy good timing😊 saving an extra $100 going direct through DH Labs👍🏻

Thanks for the info @sls883. I just measured and I think I can get by with .75m. However that only saves $15. Going to research that length thing some more before I commit…

Did you have to play with settings between your DDC and DAC by going I2S? Just watched a video by Alvin from Vinshine discussing this. Looks a little confusing? Any insight on this? 

Thanks again @sls883. Apparently even though both will be DENAFRIPS you still have to adjust settings on both units using I2S. Weird. At least I can use his video as a guide while doing it. And apparently not all HDMI cables will work, Alvin mentioned that some do not so it’s trial and error. Pretty sure the DH Labs 2.1 will work. Hope so😬

@sls883  Funny you mention the length of the cable. I just read something today where it is recommended to use <1m HDMI between DAC and DDC. Seems kind of crazy that that short of a length is recommended. Bizarre as I’ve always heard longer is better with most all cables…In fact John at The Cable Co strongly recommends at least 1m for all the cables I’ve bought.

I am going to go with 1m HDMI. I don’t think anything less will reach for me as I will have to have Hermes and Pontus separated. Don’t have the height clearance in my ent ctr to stack them…

@jastralfu have you any info on the length of the HDMI/I2S cable between DAC and DDC? Any truth that this should be kept under 1m?

 @jastralfu  thank you! So yours worked first time? You didn’t have to play with the settings? So hope that will be the case for me..

@audphile1 I read a review that specifically stated that going this route is still less costly than bumping up to Terminator. Supposedly this performance is equal to Terminator when compared. Plus I could not afford to spend that much at this point and already have the Pontus…

@sls883 The 2.1 DH Labs cable specifically stated is I2S so I feel good about that😬

@fthompson251 Thanks man! Appreciate the support. If I get the undistorted music, why is it necessary to do the test tones as well?

Thanks All, very helpful! Thank you again @jastralfu I was going to ask where can I get the test tones? I'd have to play them through my streamer, correct? I will have Eversolo to Hermes via USB then HDMI from Hermes to Pontus. Where can I get the test tones to play through my streamer/Qobuz?

Thanks @dz13 as both are DENAFRIPS they are compatible. Just have to find the right combo. That’s the only thing I’m concerned about. But there is a video from Alvin at Vinshine and he sent it to me detailing how to find the right combo.

@jastralfu Thank you. Ya I have never had my pc/laptop connected to my system. That’s why I was hoping the test tones wouldn’t be necessary…