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

@kereru thank you!

I ordered some cheap cables, but sounds like I'll need better ones. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C3GDDK5T?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image

@benzman thank you.  

Anyone have experience with the Afterdark clock?  I am using one with my Gustard X26 Pro and it made a nice improvement.

Also I think I read on this forum that if you use an external clock connected to a DDC and connect the DDC to the DAC I2S input via an HDMI cable that you are now "clocking" the DAC and would not need a second cable from the clock to the DAC.  Is this correct?

@boulder_bob  that’s the oft quoted theory, certainly. But it depends on fhe DAC design and even the particular setting selected. The majority of Gustard X26/A26/R26 users over at HF, including me as noted above, find clear benefits to clocking both even when using I2S. When using R26 internal OS modes (NOS OFF) the benefit of clocking the R26 is greater than for clocking the U18, with NOS ON the reverse is true, with the effect of clocking the DAC more subtle but still satisfying and additive in both cases. The magnitude of the effect is very cable dependent. Do a bit of experimentation and trust your ears is always my advice here. I use a DIY-tweaked OCK-2 but plenty of Gustard users at HF use AD clocks.

@kereru Any chance of describing the DIY Tweaks for the OCK-2?

I am now curious and at the cusp of entering into the world of Clocking after becoming in recent years a convert to using a Digital Source.

VFM when considering all things Audio is always in my objectives, when making plans for additions of the equipment to be used in the home system.