DDC Sound Improvements???

So, after taking your considerations and reading from individuals that own the Gustard R26 and R30 that purchased the U26 DDC after owning the U18, I took the plunge yesterday and ordered the U26.  

My deciding factor is not just the conversation of the DDC which should slightly improve the current USB signal via i2S but the filtering in this unit is what everyone comments on being the key element.  Lowering the noise floor of my BS Node w/LPS which is only my streaming transport to the Gustard U26 then sending that signal to the Gustard X30, cross my fingers should increase the sonic presentation.  The Matrix NT-1 was the first streaming transport that I instantly noticed what a well filtered transparent sound could do in my system.  And to my ears it beat the Innuos Stream 3 easily with its resolving nature.

I purchased the U26 and the Veritas Optimus 50 i2s cable with a 30 day return policy, so if it's not increasing the sonics in my system, the U26 will be returned.

I'll report back with my initial impressions after March 7th when it arrives.

Congrats.  If your experience is anything like mine adding the more budget-minded Iris I think you’re gonna be very happy and maybe even a little shocked, and it may continue to provide meaningful benefits even if you upgrade your streamer down the road.  Look forward to your thoughts. 

Congrats... I have the Gustard U26... you won't be sending it back!  Give it at least 50 hrs to break-in and adjust to your system.  

The Gustard U26 DDC and Veritas Optimus 50 i2S cable is in and has been in use for the last week.  The filtering in the DDC has achieved the level of performance that I was hoping to receive.  Blacker background has elevated the holographic presentation, the vocals are slightly more forward, layering into tracks are more pronounced, and the bass is tighter.

Is it on the level of the Matrix NT-1? No!  Is it a solid 60% of the Matrix NT-1, yes!  I do not get the expanded soundstage with greater instrument separation that impressed me but for the sweet deal that I picked up the U26 as an open box item, it's a keeper.  

This three box solution, (Node, LPS, DDC)  is not ideal but at least the three boxes are slim and perform with amazing results in my system.  I think that I'm done chasing digital nirvana until I update my speakers next to the Tidal Pianos.

So, OP, I assume you will retain or purchase the NT-1, correct? The BS three-box combo, including the extra I²S cable, could easily cost $2,400, which is about 60% of the value of the NT-1. If the BS combo only reaches 60% of the NT-1’s performance, it seems the extra $1,400 would be worth spending.