Use of Denafrips Iris 12th DDC with computer

Many years ago, I started streaming Tidal with a dedicated laptop. Besides the laptop itself being tricked out, it also had Fidelizer Pro software*, a USBe Perfect, a dedicated LPS - with a custom DIY umbilical cord, a dedicated power conditioner, a dedicated DDC - all with quality power cords.

@sns spent years sharing his knowledge & experience of improving his streaming quality with posts on Audiogon. I listened to his advice. Bought a pre-owned streamer to try out. Within 5 minutes of listening, I put the laptop in storage. Haven’t looked back. Now my streaming SQ has surpassed my CD transport/DAC combo. I discovered that using the DDC with the streamer - improved the SQ even more.

- - - -

* Fidelizer software turns off PC functions not needed for audio. Besides the Pro version, they have an introductory version that can be downloaded for free.

To the OP, this is how I use my system daily. A laptop USB -> to a Gaia DDC, then out via I2S (or coax) to DAC. It works quite well.

Of course when you use a PC, for best results you MUST have it where the OS doesn’t mess with the output. For example, exclusive driver mode with Qobuz or Tidal. Doing so, the results then (with the USB isolation and reclocking of the DDC) are sonically as good as any streamer I have heard.

Otherwise, if the OS messes with the files the results are less than stellar.

I need the test aspects a nb can provide in my system, and having worked in OEM nb development for over 15 years I happen to have some engineering samples laying around and put them to use ;) But the main reason then I’d use a streamer instead is for example, some of them can realtime upsample at high quality (eg, Lumin). It’s a bit buggy but can sound great for example, feeding DSD (or 8x PCM) to a PSAudio DS DAC for example.

But of course we can also use something like HDPlayer on the PC, something I should get off my slow b*tt and see about finally ;) But meanwhile having offline upsampled some PCM test files to DSD and to 8x PCM for a test to same DAC I can verify it can work fabulous sent through the PC chain (using Foobar player).

PS we are now N America sales and service for Denafrips, working with Mike Lee. The service aspect continues from before but the sales part is new. Adding the Denafrips line to the site as we speak. I would wager that nobody knows Denafrips in N America quite like we do by now, having done service support for several years by now. Looking forward to some great times ahead :)

TK TEKAudioSpecialties.com

Just a link to a quickie phone vid in my friend's super system a few months back. Streaming with the Lumin on upsampling out. We were shaking down a pair of  new TK Ultra_EXB7 in there, redesigned (and fabulous) monoblock amps. Also using a super good, highly improved DSD DAC. He also has the full loom of AQ Dragon cables. Some might get an idea at least: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oo83-tRKe80WWLKD7nkJda-nH12l7vc_/view?usp=sharing

@mesch I’m tried to PM you but you must have disabled that function.  Can you PM me please.

@iansr Sorry, I will check out the PM problem. If regarding my BEL amp I replied on that thread. I sold it 4 years ago.

Mesch

Dump the PC please. I know that PCs can be set up to provide great streaming quality, but it involves quite a bit of knowledge, software, and hardware.

(1) Buy a inexpensive streamer. A BlueSound Node 130 (not the Node 2 or 2i as they do not have a functional USB output). They have a USB port, but it is not functional for output. The the Node 130 has a great user interface, and can be found used for under $300

Another option would be the Wiim Ultra (not the Wiim Pro or Pro Plus....they do not have USB output). They are $329 new, and by all reports are excellent for the money. I have never used one, so can't comment on the user interface

(2) Buy a Denafrips Iris 12th DDC, they can be bought new for $550 from Denafrips, eBay for about $510, and $400 if you are comfortable using AliExpress. It will support your current connections, but also add AES/EBU and I2S for future proof.

(3) Use a reasonably good USB cable like the Supra Excalibur USB for $110 for 1 meter, or the DHLabs Max Bandwidth USB for $90

Total cost under $1,000, and you will end up with a very very good streaming set up with a good user interface.

(4) Alternatively you could also start with a very good entry level streamer like the Innuous Zen Mini $2,400, Auralic G1.1 $3,200, or Lumin U2 Mini $2,400. You could then bypass the use of the Iris DDC, and connect those directly to your DAC.....I'd lean to the Innuous or Lumin. Unfortunately Aurender products would be quite a bit more money.