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Do I still need a DDC in between?

This is my current rig:

Wiim Ultra (DH Labs Mirage / Cardas Clear USB, 0.5m) → Gustard U18 (DH Labs HDMI 2.1, 0.5m) → Harmony μDAC (Mogami quad XLR) → Parasound A23 (Belden 5T00UP) → Wharfedale Linton

The sound is very good to my ears—excellent tonality, detail, and especially soundstage, with impressive height and depth. However, I’m considering trying the Volumio Rivo Plus released recently, which offers an I²S-over-HDMI connection.

My question is: would I still need the DDC (i.e., Gustard U18) in between, or would a direct I²S connection from the Rivo+ to the Harmony μDAC deliver comparable or even better sound quality? Have you had any direct or similar experience with this kind of setup? Any advice would be appreciated.

lanx0003
lanx0003 OP
1,200 posts
 

@mattw73  Same here. I had the UGreen USB-A to Lightning dongle for my EarPods after comparing 2–3 products side by side. That’s why I picked one up this time without hesitation, even though other brands have gold-plated RJ45 connectors—which LanShack doesn’t have either. I hope I ordered the right one. Is this it?

https://i.imgur.com/FMRhlAm.png

fanofmsu
7 posts
 

@mattw73 Good call on the UGREEN cable! I have lots of high-end cables throughout my system but hadn’t yet bought a decent LAN cable - for whatever reason I wasn’t thinking it would make much difference. I subbed out my cheap cable for your bargain cable and immediately enjoyed better sound. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,692 posts
 

@lanx0003 you got it!

lanx0003 OP
1,200 posts
 

@sls883 

I was convinced that the Wiim Ultra / Gustard U18 combo performs quite well. Along with the Harmony Micro DAC and upgraded cabling, the system's sound can be described in three words: effortless, transparent, and depth-dealing. I like it very much and I believe it actually outperforms many higher end streamers.

One thing I’d like to check with you—and I hope you can confirm—is this: remember I mentioned the 'static' noise that occurred when the U18 was initially connected to my system? I finally figured out that it’s caused by the I²S channel not receiving a signal while idling. As soon as music starts playing and a signal is present, the noise disappears and the background stays quiet and dark until the unit is powered off and on again. I was advised not to worry about it, but I’d appreciate it if you could confirm whether your U18 ever behaves this way. Please let me know.  I may need to swap it out with a brand new, trouble free one.

sls883
781 posts
 

@lanx0003 mine has never done that.  Not even once.

I'm going Gustard to Gustard, so the I2s connection was easy. 

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