Would a DDC (Denafrips Iris) improve my system?

I’m running USB from a fan-less miniPC (ultra quiet) with optimized MS settings as my streaming source w/ Qobuz to an IRIS then I2S to a Pontus II 12th anniversary. The IRIS made a distinct improvement (~20%) when I put it in the system. The IRIS clock is temperature controlled, one step up from the Pontus clock. The Hermes is another step up to oven controlled. 
 

I first got the IRIS when I had a Topping D90 LE in my main rig knowing that I would replace with a Pontus at some point. ASR measured the Topping at -123dB SINAD, the highest ever at the time, if you believe measurements mean something. The Topping is as transparent and “clean” as any DAC on the market. Yet the IRIS improved the “black” silent background, increased details slightly and made the soundstage much larger with greater instrument separation. 

Now I have the Pontus II in which is a better match for my integrated tube amp and 99dB sensitive Klipsch Forte IIIs. I would highly recommend a DDC if you’re running a USB input. Hermes or IRIS depending on your budget. 
 

@trivema thanks for the info, sounds very worthwhile for me to explore.

@audioman58 not sure if I should thank you… now I want the Hermes instead of the more reasonably priced Iris… thanks for the info, appreciate it.  I’m sure I’l be trying one of these DDC’s in the near future. 

There are a couple of Hermes units for sale in the Audiogon marketplace for something like $1100.  I’ve not heard the Iris so I have no idea if it’s worth the extra $600 to you or not.  I feel that mine was worth the money though and would happily do it again.  

Going from an extremely optimized usb chain to I2S via Gaia was a profound change for the better. I2S has a number of inherent advantages vs. usb and those advantages should become manifest with the proper I2S setup.

I'd suggest at least the Hermes, I believe the OXCO clock in the Gaia is largely responsible for the much greater analog like presentation vs what I was getting with usb. I had tried various improved clocking schemes with usb, none provided what I'm hearing with the Gaia via I2S. Point is getting a ddc with a better clock than I2S clock within dac means one syncs/slaves to the higher quality ddc clock. Going in this direction one gets the benefit of  inherently better I2S chain, to this add improved clocking. I previously owned Singxer SU6 which was just ok, Gaia is a game changer. assuming one has a system and streaming chain capable of exposing these advantages.

As for the direct impacts Gaia/I2S/Tubulus Ximius I2S cable made in my setup vs usb. Greater resolution, transparency and as mentioned previously the more analog like presentation. As mentioned previously, I2S has been a profound change for me, went from very high quality digital presentation to something akin to my pretty nice vinyl setup, music flows much like the vinyl setup along with superior resolution/transparency. I can't say enough about how I2S has been a game changer for me.

Following.