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

@joeycastillo 

I would surmise that because you listen to local music stored inside your Eversolo, there is less transmission noise than what is transported via a computer or over a network via streaming devices.  

It is a point to be taken by the OP, as the most confined/shortest path/circuit one can take to get their music files to the USB/DAC will result in a cleaner signal if using a considerable cable.

It makes sense that the need for a DDC can be associated with how many circuits, cables, miles, noise makers, etc are between you and your music. But unless you tried a Gaia (with a good cable) and not a Hermes or Iris..technically.. you did not totally buy into it in the first place. Your system, I contend, is of quality that would require the higher end DDC and cables to get your listening attention. 

@joeycastillo Installing Gaya between Aurender and Venus made a significant improvement in my case. The only setting up was configurating I2S on Gaya which could not have been easier.

Ok you guys have hit on my issue which is upgraditis in my digital streaming front end. I appreciate all the input! Lots to think about and weigh... Oh and thank you for reminding me about my CDs that have pretty much languished for years. I should haul them out and see what they sound like through my Sony SCD XA5400ES with the Merason as DAC.

I am actually looking into the DAC2 upgrade, or possibly Merason's new Mountain DAC that I would use to replace both the DAC 1 MkII and the Helene. 

@mitch2, if you do try out either the DAC2 or the Mountain, I hope you will find the time to write up your impressions on here; be fascinating to see if the Mountain in particular can surpass the Helene.

@maprik get a few of your favorite CDs and try the sony as a stand alone player and as a transport with your DAC. Let us know.