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Do I really Need a Digital to Digital Converter?

Over the last few years I have continued to upgrade my digital front end and currently use an Auralic G2 (with upgraded power supply) and a Musician Pegasus R2R DAC. Some of the (mostly Asian) DAC manufacturers also make digital to digital converters (like the Denefrips Iris and Hermes).

So my questions are, if what these DDCs do so important, why aren’t they built into into DACs or Streamers in the first place. Are they only incorporated in higher end digital gear but not gear at the level I am using?. What will adding one of these bring to the table or should I just upgrade my DAC or Streamer to get the same result? Do I really need another piece of gear and another set of cables to clutter up my rack?

Appreciate input from anyone who as direct experience with these DDCs in their audio journey.

128x128alvinnir2
alvinnir2's avatar
alvinnir2 OP
112 posts
 

So opinions seem to vary and with no real consensus it probably means I should consider getting a used DDC and if it doesn't improve things in a worthwhile way, I can always resell it at minimal to no loss. From my understanding both my streamer and DAC implement USB in a very favourable way and this is how I do connect them. I have tried other DAC inputs (AES and Coax) but have preferred the USB route. I mostly stream Tidal but also play music from an internal drive in the Auralic G2 where I have some files of higher than CD resolution.

jond's avatar
jond
5,780 posts
 

There is never a consensus lol that's the fun of audio. You have an excellent streaming/digital setup you can enjoy the great sound you're getting now or tinker. Either way have fun and report back your findings!

soix
9,456 posts
 

So opinions seem to vary and with no real consensus it probably means I should consider getting a used DDC and if it doesn't improve things in a worthwhile way, I can always resell it at minimal to no loss.

That was exactly my plan, but after hearing my Pegasus with the i2S connection there was no way the Iris was going anywhere.  Lots of diverse opinions here, but I’m the only one actually using the same DAC as you so perhaps you might consider that for what it’s worth. 

alvinnir2's avatar
alvinnir2 OP
112 posts
 

Soix has a good point, same dac, maybe same result. The search begins

deep_333
1,355 posts
 

I have a high resolution room+speakers+amps. I use the Denafrips Hermes DDC+Venus combo. I don’t miss the Hermes all that much if l pull it out. On the other hand, i definitely miss the BACCH processor if I pull it out!!

 

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