DDCs—what’s the deal?

Audio Components DACs
42

Yep, makes a BIG difference. I’m surprised that there are not more folk here who have given it a try - but it’s good to hear there is someone else where DI20 has a positive effect
All the best NM

43

I use a Denafrips Hermes with my MkII and the music is just “perfect”. I have no other way to describe it.

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44

Arriving very late to the party here. I just started getting interested in DDCs. I’m strictly redbook. I would be using a DDC between a Jays CDT2 MK3 transport and my modded DS-1 DAC.

  1. The Jays already has an excellent clock. Would a DDC improve the sound that much? I would be thinking of a Denafrips Hermes or Gaia model.
  2. The output of the Denafrips models - can I use the I2S connection as is; or do I need to modify the cable to connect to my DS-1?

Thanks,
Tim

45

DDCs seem to give the best impact when the source has a noisy USB. I do not believe this is the case with CDT2 MK3. CDT2 has an I2S output, so it should feed the DS MK1. Also, given we’re talking Redbook only, I would not rule out the use of AES/EBU and BNC.

1 Like
46

Hermes I2S is compatible with DS1 and 2.

47

Thanks for the info. I have seen a few people on other sites state that DDC units will improve a digital transport signal, even though my MK3 has an excellent clock. I am reluctant in giving up my MK3 I2S transport output, although at least the Denafrips units would feed the DAC with I2S.

Right now, I’m just kinda kickin’ tires.

Tim

48

I once tried a friend’s Denafrips Iris going from the USB output of my MacBook Air to my Pontus 2 via I2S. I thought it made a very nice improvement, easily worth the cost.

edit—I did not buy one since I use streaming only for shopping for music, which I then buy on vinyl.

1 Like