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


I've been enjoying this dac for several months now. I have tried USB and COAX and now I2S.

There is a noticeable improvement in each of these inputs. I have read many of the discussions here regarding both DDC and external clocks. I am wondering which of these would give more bang for the buck. The Gustard goes very well with my tube amps.

I am considering the LHY OCK 1 or 2 for clocks and undecided for the DDC.

peareye

@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.

@kereru - thanks for your take on this.  I'm guessing "HF" is a forum.  What forum is that?