DDC Sound Improvements???

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...

One of the biggest improvements in my system was when I added DENAFRIPS Hermes via I2S to DENAFRIPS Pontus II 12th. My streamer at the time was Eversolo DMP-A6 Master with TP SE power supply. The TP power supply made a noticeable improvement but adding Hermes took it to a level I wouldn’t have even thought possible…

FWIW I have Bluesound Icon with Gustard U18 DDC going I2S to Gustard X18 in a second system. Magnificent! I won’t ever go without a DDC in any system.