Just about to pull the trigger on Pontus 15th ...

It seems like there are enough positive reviews for the Harmony micro dac that it's worth rolling the dice and trying one.  It's nice that the ddc could take it to another level if you ever got the upgrade bug. 

I took a chance on my current dac based on a couple of reviews that I hoped were accurate and honest.  There was a return option that would have cost me about $150 but I ended up keeping it. 

The return cost for the Harmony is $100, assuming no additional tariffs are involved. But that's not the main reason for my hesitation. I'm not that desperate—my system already sounds better than just okay. Patience will pay off. One of my most trusted reviewers is set to post his review any time now.

Makes sense.  If you like what you have, no rush to do anything.  I don't recall what you are using for a dac.  I think you have a Cambridge streamer?

I'm happy with my current dac.  It is better than the R26.  It's a chip dac which isn't popular among some folks, but I think it sounds good and that's what matters. I don't plan to upgrade any time soon.

I have a couple of streamers, including CA, Wiim, and iFi. Recently, I bought an SMSL PO100 Pro (DDC) to use with the Wiim Ultra, and the improvement is noticeable—though I wouldn’t say it’s significant.  it doesn’t improve though a bit when used with the iFi, which already has galvanic isolation built in.

I know you’re quite content with the X30. Are you using I²S to get its full potential? That’s next on my to-do list.

I’m using a Gustard U18 DDC between my Innuos streamer and dac.  It converts USB to I2S.  I checked with Gustard and Innuos about using the U18 or skipping it and going USB directly from the streamer to my dac.  Both Gustard and Innuos recommended using the DDC, so I never tried it without the U18.  I already had the U18, so I’m using it.

I’ll probably try going USB direct from my streamer to my dac to see if I hear any difference.  I really thought that Gustard or Innuos would suggest skipping the U18.