DDC Sound Improvements???

I had a Node2i moded with a TeddyPardo LPS connected via coax to my PS Audio Directstream DAC Mk1 moded by APS Transformers. I tried a Denafrips Hermes 12th DDC,  connecting to the DAC with I2s. I did not experience a significant improvement in SQ with the DDC.  The LPS mod made a huge difference however!! I have since upgraded to an Eversolo T8 streaming transport, connected via I2s and that has been a significant improvement in SQ. I first connected the Eversolo using the ethernet port.  I then switched to using the SFp input using a inexpensive  TP Link fiber media converter. That resulted in a slight improvement in SQ.  I have a high quality FMC from LHY Beatachic, with internal LPS,  being delivered this week.  It's going to be interesting to see if replacing the cheap TP FMC and wall wart with a quality FMC makes a noticeable difference in SQ. Or if I just wasted $500!!

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. 

I2S may work fine with some components but, in general, is over-rated as a connection protocol between two audio components and is not likely to significantly change the overall sonic presentation of most DACs compared to an optimized S/PDIF or USB connection (IME). 

@fthompson251, I’ve been seeking and taking your advice for years on matters audio. Because of your and @mitch2’s posts, it made me look into and figure out exactly what an asynchronous USB connection is and more importantly what it does.

If one could figure out away to add a nice outboard OCXO clock instead of the DDC for added refinement. That right there got my attention.

Any OCXO clock recommendations? Anyone? Anybody a fan of LHY AUDIO?

Yes, I would look into the LHY models. Alvin should be helpful in leading you on that decision. I honestly don't know much about master clocks other than getting the best OCXO you can afford. Denafrips makes a couple master clocks too. 

I don’t why I didn’t think of looking at the GUSTARD brand? As you introduced me to that brand.

lhy makes good stuff, excellent quality of parts and assembly, alvin is very responsive and a nice guy to boot

paul pang (taiwan) and afterdark (in hong kong) also make excellent, cost effective standalone ocxo word clocks, with 50 or 75 ohm outputs

with my ether regen, adding a strong clock on the clean side unit made a substantial difference in sound quality, as much as i did not want to believe that would be the case before trying it