To DDC or not to DDC. That is the question.

"Yes, this and its discrete class A output section in particular, which plays a large role in the overall sound character of any DAC." 

@ted_b - Absolutely. I suspect the output section in the Merason is another reason it sounds so good.  I never understood higher end gear that use op-amps in the output. The fact that the Merason is upgradable (to MkII and also to DAC 2) is another value-added feature.

@maprik I used this little gadget when I was streaming from mac mini and I recall audible improvement. Very cost effective and unlike to hurt anything. 
https://wyred4sound.com/products/recovery

worth a try before you commit to a larger purchase. And will most likely be useful even with the ddc. 

Hmmm interesting little tweak! Thank you! 

My only reservation is that the Hermes has no USB out and the USB input is the strength of the Merason. 

You could get a DDC to go in between the Hermes and the DAC (?) 

I asked AI and it said it was a good idea. 

Crying emoji