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  3. 183094-96

i2S clock question

So, I’ve recently added a Denafrips Iris DDC to be able to feed my Musician Pegasus R2R DAC via its i2S input via its HDMI i2S input, and compared to feeding it directly from an SPDIF or USB input the positive results are significant and very apparent.  While I’m aware of the separate internal paths of the i2S connection versus other connections and despite many searches, I can’t find a definitive answer as to how the clocking works in the end.  I know the Iris re-clocks the data and sends it via a separate line within the HDMI connection to my DAC, but I can’t find a clear answer as to how the re-clocking of the DDC works in conjunction with my DAC. Does the re-clocking of the DDC override the re-clocking of my DAC with an i2S connection, or does it just feed my DAC a cleaner signal that allows my DAC to work better and more efficiently given its own re-clocking abilities?  Am I subject to the re-clocking of my DDC alone or is it a combo of my DAC and the DDC working together with an i2S connection?  Thanks for any thoughts and experience!

soix

Showing 4 responses by designsfx

designsfx
783 posts
 

@soix 

In your test with the Iris added into the chain from your streamer to dac are you saying that the resulting signal sounded better over I2S than it did with SPDIF or USB when coming from the Iris? I would think that all outputs from the Iris would be equally as good with respect to the improvement in clocking.

@lordmelton is correct in stating that the clock in your Pegasus is still performing with the Iris connected. If you heard an improvement in signal quality it would lead me to believe that 1) the clock in the Iris does a better job than that of the Pegasus 2) it’s possibly the combination of both working together that has produced the difference. I’ve read threads on signal clocking where the owner used two Mutec reclocking units in a daisy chain prior to a dac and claimed there were large improvements in the audible result. 
 

designsfx
783 posts
 

With that said, it would be interesting to know what type of sound signature the Iris adds (or not) to the input signal.

designsfx
783 posts
 

@curiousjim 

I would advise you take a quick scan of the posts at audiophile style regarding clocking the Iris and Terminator. I faintly remember a thread running there that concluded the Terminator’s clock was at a higher level and basically saw no improvement when paired with the Iris. Not for sure- but it costs nothing to check.

designsfx
783 posts
 

@curiousjim et al-

I seem to have mistaken the reference to the Iris in my previous post- the thread mentions a device called a “Gaia”. Either way the subject of the discussion “jitter/noise” testing is interesting. I believe this thread was created by the same person who made the popular MQA Myth video seen on You Tube.

Jitter/Noise Testing

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