DDC Sound Improvements???

For what little it may be worth given differences in systems and subjective preferences, I use a cheap digital front end- a Shanling ET3, as a file transport from an SSD outputting via USB. I installed the earlier Gustard (U-18 DDC) to run I2s into a Gustard X 26 Pro. Substantial improvement in clarity, tone and harmonics/depth. Sounds better than I would have expected using very modest digital gear. The system is a substantial one, voiced for vinyl playback through tubes, SETs and horns with multiple woofers and though I don't compare the two for a "best," there are some recordings on which the digital system just shines. 

If you can buy/try and return without penalty, may be  worth exploring. I have no experience with the Node and do not use streaming services- all local files. Good luck!

From what I can tell you might was well save up and get the Matrix NT-1. You know you and your spouse like it, it will be a solid upgrade to your system. USB to your Gustard X30? or -(Maybe I am reading it wrong but it may have I2s output too?) If it does you can use that connection to your X30. I see it does have a clock out feature so down the road you can get a nice outboard OCXO clock instead of the DDC for added refinement. This approach is less of a temporary band aide and a calculated upgrade path approach. JMHO of course. 

What were the conditions that you were listening to the Innuos? Also What is the rest of your equipment consist of speakers, preamp, etc.? 

It’s really impossible to answer how close the U26 with the Node/LPS will get to the NT-1 — too many unknowns/variables so best would be to try the U26 with a trial/return period or if you can buy through Amazon or something as that’s the only way to know for sure.  I’m using an iFi Zen Stream w/ upgraded power supply to answer your question. 

I use a low cost Douk  DDC  with a galvanic Jackusb isolator (with dedicated low cost  LPS+buffer and filters for each link)  all at peanut cost... Each addition was audible improvement... I am very happy because i cannot fault my system/room if i take into account  his working performance limits anymore...We can always upgrade a system/room for sure but i dont feel the need to change the room and the system, i invested in time one year to optimize it...

A DDC is mandatory for me...