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

@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.

@kereru 

I am waiting for a reply from LHY as to which OCK would suit my system better. I sent in my list of equipment in my system as they requested to determine which clock (in their opinion) they would recommend. 

I am new to this part of digital and am asking what part does the switch play in the signal path. I really do prefer to use YouTube off the MacBook Pro as I like going down the rabbit hole to look for new music including a lot of covers by various unknowns. 

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.

@kereru Clock or other digital cables are not the same as HDMI cables for i2S as per my last post.  For example, a digital interconnect is best at 1.5m, whereas that would kill an i2S signal.  The i2S signal is a different animal entirely and extremely sensitive to cable length.  Try the 1 foot cable and see what you think, or try the 6” cable I linked above for only $5.50.  Interested in your thoughts. 

I just got the LHY OCK-2 yesterday.  I am using it with the R26 with the Sine wave output and 50 ohm cable and with the EtherREGEN with the Square wave output and a 75 ohm cable.  It is still early but I am blown away by what a significant difference the OCK-2 is making.  There are greater dynamics as well as a sense of air and separation and better placement in the soundstage. The top end is also more pronounced and detailed. Obviously, I am still in the honeymoon period and perhaps I'll find the greater level of detail fatiguing but right now I am loving it.