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Denafrips IRIS + Hi-Fi USB Card = Overkill?

Hello Everyone,

So, I am always looking for ways to improve my system.

Although, Digital and Analog sound good right now, I feel I could always squeeze out more performance.

On the Digital Side, I have a PC that I built that I use for Qobuz, FLAC, DSD.

A little while back I discovered Hi-Fi USB Cards, like the Matrix Element. My thought was perhaps with a card like that going to my DAC, I could improve my Digital Game.

Now, I just recently discovered Digital to Digital Converters (didn't even know such a thing existed). 

In particular, I am looking a the Denefrips IRIS.

So I guess my question is to anyone who has gone done this path and has experience with it, would one type of device be better than the other? Meaning DDC vs Hi-Fi USB Card?

To me it seems like they are trying to accomplish the same thing.

Would combining both just be overkill and the results minimal?

Just wanted to see if anyone else has tried either or perhaps both together?

Did you feel it really improved vs just going from a PC directly to your DAC?

Thanks

Jay
128x128jay73

Showing 1 response by mastering92

mastering92
870 posts
 
No, not overkill.

I did some research...although I have never heard about the Matrix Element (until now).

USB ports on desktop computers are typically very noisy at the data-power level. Laptops - not as much, but noise generated from any internals would degrade sound quality.

Power supplies (higher efficiency) PSUs would improve how efficiently your computer uses electricity. System noise and temperatures of the CPU would also be reduced. This is inherently positive... a win for digital audio & overall computing.

I think it’s brilliant of you to share this..so thank you. There are many folks with USB DACs who want to optimize performance.

For laptops, ifi has a jitter eliminator (which also includes a noise cancelation filter). With devices like this, it appears that we are actively improving the quality of the digital signal; therefore bettering playback quality to our headphones and/or speakers.
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