Just about to pull the trigger on Pontus 15th ...

The return cost for the Harmony is $100, assuming no additional tariffs are involved. But that's not the main reason for my hesitation. I'm not that desperate—my system already sounds better than just okay. Patience will pay off. One of my most trusted reviewers is set to post his review any time now.

Makes sense.  If you like what you have, no rush to do anything.  I don't recall what you are using for a dac.  I think you have a Cambridge streamer?

I'm happy with my current dac.  It is better than the R26.  It's a chip dac which isn't popular among some folks, but I think it sounds good and that's what matters. I don't plan to upgrade any time soon.

I have a couple of streamers, including CA, Wiim, and iFi. Recently, I bought an SMSL PO100 Pro (DDC) to use with the Wiim Ultra, and the improvement is noticeable—though I wouldn’t say it’s significant.  it doesn’t improve though a bit when used with the iFi, which already has galvanic isolation built in.

I know you’re quite content with the X30. Are you using I²S to get its full potential? That’s next on my to-do list.

I’m using a Gustard U18 DDC between my Innuos streamer and dac.  It converts USB to I2S.  I checked with Gustard and Innuos about using the U18 or skipping it and going USB directly from the streamer to my dac.  Both Gustard and Innuos recommended using the DDC, so I never tried it without the U18.  I already had the U18, so I’m using it.

I’ll probably try going USB direct from my streamer to my dac to see if I hear any difference.  I really thought that Gustard or Innuos would suggest skipping the U18. 

It would be useful information to know. However, you wouldn’t be able to tell whether any difference comes from the DDC, the I²S connection, or the combination of both. I recall there were some ‘serious’ discussions on this topic a while ago.  The topic gets even more convoluted once you bring the 'clock' into the picture.