New Denafrips recklocker/converters: IRIS and GAIA


Denefrips recently announced new products that recklock and convert DSD and PCM.

IRIS - $472:
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Input:  USB  
Output:  I2s-HDMI, I2s-RJ45, Coax, AES and Toslink


GAIA - $1604
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Input:  Coax, Toslink, AES, USB
Output:   I2s-HDMI, I2s-RJ45, Coax, AES x 2, Toslink

Both have connections to add external clocks.

Might be worth looking into if you have a DAC that has I2s, (or another input) that your streamer does not output that you'd like to try.    Available for pre-order.  I might have the prices wrong, as I tried to convert from Singapore dollars.




veroguy
Because the Nucleus can only  Simultaneously act as a server and endpoint using USB out which is the noisiest output and puts additional stress on it. The Gaia Cleans up the USB output. If you use I2s, SPDIF, or balanced, which are supposed to be better, then you need another box to act as a roon endpoint. 
Oh, OK just wondered I've used my NUC as the server and endpoint through USB and never had a noise problem nor did it stress the NUC, maybe the one I assembled isn't as noisy as the nucleus.
A lot of the guts of the IRIS are the same as the USB input of the Terminator, which then feeds the I2s circuitry inside the Terminator, so a question is how much this external device can improve the Terminator.  I'd like the best digital path but I dont want to do processing twice.
My guess (and it is just a guess) is that the Iris won't provide significant benefit, although it might reduce USB electrical noise a bit which could help. The Gaia, on the other hand, may have a better clock and improved noise isolation and data buffering compared to the circuitry in the Terminator. 
The Gaia also offers more inputs (AES/SPDIF/COAX), as the Iris only offers to reclock and convert USB.  If using a Terminator +, you can use that clock to sync up the Iris as well.