2. digital
  3. 178253-154522

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.

johnfritter
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,508 posts
 

DDCs are primarily for converting from USB. 

On a well engineered DAC all inputs are the same.

bigkidz
3,325 posts
 

Plenty of high end (expensive) DACs where the inputs are not all the same.  It depends on the design.  For example, we just completed repairing and upgrading the Da Vinci Light Harmonic DAC - $43K back in the day.  All inputs were not the same.

johnfritter OP
62 posts
 

@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.

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
243 posts
 

 I slipped an Iris between a Statement and Terminator Plus and even though the USB on the Statement is highly touted, converting to I2S was better even without using the clock out from the TP.

Quality HDMI cable will make a difference.

yyzsantabarbara
4,563 posts
 

@johnfritter Have you read any of this guy’s writings on streaming? I use his optical streaming products with a media converter in front of the streamer. There is some explanation as to why this is the recommended way with optical.

John Swenson’s Tech Corner – UpTone Audio

More to discover