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

The Leo bodnar is a clock….not a ddc. It doesn’t have any audio inputs or outputs….it has a coax antenna input and 2 bnc clock outputs

phastm3

 

thanks, I just actually figured this out...moving on with my search.

 

I have an Audio GD DI-20HE DDC. Highly recommend.

Will also try a Leo Bodnar clock in a month or two.

Or stick to USB line conditioner with reclocker. 

1. innous phoenix USB reclocker 

2. iFi iPurifier3 + iFi iDefender 5v power 

3. SOTM USB RECLOCK 

 

@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.