To sns, Thanks for those clarifying comments. I like the uDDC frm Laiv, as it allows several differnt sorts of inputs to go to the Laiv DAC via an i2S output (the connection from the DDC to the DAC comes with it and is very short). That makes is more intriguing to consider streamers without an i2S output as still compatible with the Laiv DAC, plus benefiting from the cleanup of that particular DDC.
The information on the clock/power supply issue is also helpful. I have already purchased the Laiv uDDC as a starting point for me (at about $875 it seems pretty reasonably priced). My hope was that it would work well with the Laiv DAC as it had been designed specifically for it (though not only it).
To Audioman58, I am coming to that conclusion about the Innuos line also. The ability to have a CD ripper as well is also appealing, though not as vital to me.
Thanks all. Time to unbox my just-arrived DAC!
Tim

