reliable DDC
I'm in need of a good DDC for a DAC that only takes SPDIF input. So I need USB > SPDIF. I own a Gustard U18 and it's working, but I've read a lot of stuff about reliability problems with Gustard or Chi-fi in general. The only other audiophile level DDC I know of is the Denafrips, also Chinese. Are there any audiophile level DDCs made elsewhere in the world (say, USA?)
I am not using the DDC currently. Both my current DACs, Mojo Audio Mystique X SE with Lundahl nano-crystalline chokes and AD-1862Z chips, and an Aries Cerat Helene, sound best through their USB input so that I what I am using. The USB comes out of a Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe optical that is connected to a SGC sonicTransporter i9 via A fiber optic cable. |
I've never had an issue with either Singxer or present Denafrips Gaia DDC, and for that matter any Chifi audio component. Based on my experience, China and Asia in general offer major bang for the buck digital and streaming components, and they can also play the game at the much higher end of these components. |
I think the best solution for you is the Denafrips Gaia https://www.denafrips.com/gaia If you go with the Mutec MC3+ USB to get the best out of it you will need to attach a 10Mhz master clock, the internal clock is trash. Cybershaft in Japan make great clocks, no need to spend more. |
Of the thousands of ChiFi DDCs sold this is the first post I’ve seen here about any units failing, which is a pretty strong indication there is no widespread issue with these products or we’d undoubtedly be hearing a lot more about it. I’ll also say Gustard in particular has had reliability issues in the past so may not the best indicator of overall ChiFi product reliability. So avoid these DDCs if you want, but it does not seem justified by the overwhelmingly positive experiences and comments made by people here. |
