FWIW, another member here got an Iris to feed his Pontus II from its i2S input and noticed a significant improvement similar to what I experienced although I can’t speak to the benefits with the Ares12. Here’s a nice used Iris listed at $399, but as a new one can now be had for $550 I’d think you could get closer to $350 if you haggle a bit (if it doesn’t impress you can always turn around and sell it). Either way it’s still quite a bit cheaper of an upgrade than buying a new streamer.
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650004682-denafrips-iris-ddc/
Does a DDC make SQ of all basic streamer roughly equal?
Vinshine Audio has a YouTube video of a Lumin streamer and makes the point that a DDC is less critical with a good streamer such as the Lumin vs something like the BlueSound node.
Ignoring the higher end streamers of Lumin + Auralic, do you think a Denafrips Hermes DDC attached to any of the "entry level" streams effectively narrows the sound quality gap across models like BlueSound Node, Wiim Pro, Innous Mini, EverSolo, Matrix, etc, etc.
I understand a DDC can't fix everything, but does it get you close enough SQ wise, that you can simply pick your streamer based off your preferred user experience of the software? I do realize this is subjective.
I also wonder if that same Hermes DDC can elevate any regular CD player or BluRay player to the point where a dedicated transport (outside of the high end models like Jay's Audio) also won't had benefit to your CD playback.
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@soix thanks for the link! Excellent points and I'm curious to try |
No a cheap streamer please remember the 4-1 ratio which I learned owning a audio store in a $3k streamer only $750 actually goes into theProduct including packaging and fantastic stock power cord ! if you have a newer modem - router combo go to Linear Tube Audio they make a great Zlinear PowerSupply and comes with-a very good DC cableto go to the router ,a 3.1 docsis is the latest I bought the motorola 8702 much better and faster ,this linear powersupply made a big difference in fidelity and Ethernet switch upgrade the SW8 is a excellent buy under $600 with a OCxo over controlled lock,and linear power supply , on both at leasta decent powercord like Pangea awg14 se mk2 , and decent Ethernet cables ,bare minimum $200 -$500+ much better still ,usb also . I am speaking in doing this no matter what dac,and streamer you buy it counts in lower noise better fidelity. |
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