For Gustard R26...which bang for the buck: DDC or LHY OCK clock?

@peareye I've had the R26, the Ock-1, Zen Stream, U18 & SU6 for 6 months, and more recently got the Ock-2 and LHY SW-8 switch.

The Ock-2 is a clear step up over the Ock-1, in resolution and refinement, though the Ock-1 is warmer, smoother and perhaps more forgiving of average sources as a result. Still, the OCK-2 is the new incumbent.

My DDCs and Zen have been collecting dust for a while now TBC, I much prefer Roon/HQP via the R26's internal renderer... particularly since I've progressively improved my upstream network path. I do dust the DDCs off every now and then to recheck with new USB or power cables for eg, but there's no question in my system the internal streamer remains so much more musically engaging - more dynamic, weighty and resolving with a broader, deeper and taller soundstage and a calmer background. 

So for the R26 rather than DDCs I'd recommend an OCK-2 and a good switch like the LHY or Fibre Media convertors. 

@kereru Are you using the i2S output from the DDC?

@soix Yes i2S - a Blue Jeans Cables FE cable which although very well regarded up to say the $200 range I is likely a limiting factor vs say a Tubulus Argentus, which would cost as much again as a DDC which I’m not in a hurry to do. USB cable is an also highly rated if a bit more boutique but well priced Gothic Audio Semperfi Outsider pure silver.

@kereru How long is the Belden cable?  I’m using a cheap Monoprice HDMI cable that is only 6” in length and getting surprisingly great sound.  As you undoubtedly know, cable length is critical for i2S as it was designed as an internal connection inside pro audio components so the signal degrades quickly with cable length and most people who know more than I recommend 1 foot or less, which is why I went with a 6” cable and maybe a big reason why I’m experiencing such great sound.  I’ve also heard some people say they don’t notice much difference upgrading to a more expensive HDMI cable, which is why I’m like you and in no hurry to upgrade my current cable. If you’ve been using a longer cable and might like to try what I’m using it only costs $5.50 so what the heck?

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=13578

@soix - I bought two BJC Belden FEs - a 1ft and a 2ft, TBH have only been using the 2ft one for convenience as the 1ft would be a pain. That said I'll have to give the 1ft one a go.

I've read conflicting things re optimal cable length for digital cables, though expect it depends very much on the application. The main variable I've found for clock cables at least of which I've tried five is cable quality (conductor, shielding and termination quality) rather than length per se.

I should clarify the sound via U18 via I2S gives a very good sound too, it's just that the internal renderer is even better - the differences are probably very subtle to a casual listener. They both sound great, but to me the LAN is satisfyingly better.