Use of Denafrips Iris 12th DDC with computer

@mesch I’m tried to PM you but you must have disabled that function.  Can you PM me please.

@iansr Sorry, I will check out the PM problem. If regarding my BEL amp I replied on that thread. I sold it 4 years ago.

Mesch

Dump the PC please. I know that PCs can be set up to provide great streaming quality, but it involves quite a bit of knowledge, software, and hardware.

(1) Buy a inexpensive streamer. A BlueSound Node 130 (not the Node 2 or 2i as they do not have a functional USB output). They have a USB port, but it is not functional for output. The the Node 130 has a great user interface, and can be found used for under $300

Another option would be the Wiim Ultra (not the Wiim Pro or Pro Plus....they do not have USB output). They are $329 new, and by all reports are excellent for the money. I have never used one, so can't comment on the user interface

(2) Buy a Denafrips Iris 12th DDC, they can be bought new for $550 from Denafrips, eBay for about $510, and $400 if you are comfortable using AliExpress. It will support your current connections, but also add AES/EBU and I2S for future proof.

(3) Use a reasonably good USB cable like the Supra Excalibur USB for $110 for 1 meter, or the DHLabs Max Bandwidth USB for $90

Total cost under $1,000, and you will end up with a very very good streaming set up with a good user interface.

(4) Alternatively you could also start with a very good entry level streamer like the Innuous Zen Mini $2,400, Auralic G1.1 $3,200, or Lumin U2 Mini $2,400. You could then bypass the use of the Iris DDC, and connect those directly to your DAC.....I'd lean to the Innuous or Lumin. Unfortunately Aurender products would be quite a bit more money.

Whether the DDC could help depends a lot on your DAC.  It could help, or it could be "redundant" to internal DAC electronics.

I do echo the idea of a streamer though. Not just for POTENTIAL sound improvement but overall function.  That is, if you use Tidal or Qobuz and can implement Roon.  You get all the benefits of an amazing computer interface through their remote apps and a dedicated server to endpoint connection for the best feed to your DAC. 

I've had stability issues with Roon, but it's still worth it to use it. 

Thanks to all who have responded. Just to let everyone know, I did purchase the Iris DDC a couple weeks ago. It has made an improvement in the sonics I am getting from my living room system. Well worth the price paid (~$500) within the context of the system. 

I am running from my apple laptop USB to the Iris, then coax to the DAC input of my Music fidelity M3 SCD player which I consider a DAC/transport.  It also serves my TV when watching movies via optical to DAC though I haven't run that through the Iris yet. Will give that a try soon.

I live in the country an receive Internet service via Wi-Fi. I am to be supplied with service via fiber optic in the near future. That will change my position on the use of streaming as a source. Will likely purchase a dedicated streamer at that time.