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DDC Sound Improvements???

I'm trying to put off buying a new streaming transport.  Of the Hifi Rose RS130, Innuos Stream 3, and Matrix NT-1; the NT-1 was clearly the winner to my ears with a greater sense of clarity/transparency, sound stage width and depth, and neutrality that it presented.

I currently have a moded BS Node with LPS that has been hard to beat thus far.  Will the new Gustard U26 DDC truly improve sound quality with the blacker backgrounds and sound stage dimensions.  The DDC would also allow me to use i2S.

$1,000 for a DDC vs $4,000 for a transport is pretty tempting.  In my head this additional filtering in the DDC would give me the sonic improvements of a great streaming transport.

What are your thoughts and experience?  

stillbuyingtoys
lanx0003
1,954 posts
 

we are in a very fortunate time where there are more excellent sounding, smooth functioning, highly cost effective streamers than ever

Agreed, and I believe more cost-effective streamers are on the way.

The Node ICON is on its way. I will audition it with its built-in power supply first, then order the panel adapter ($75) to connect it to my Lhy LPS25VA for comparison. I’m hopeful—it may end up staying in my second rig if it renders the soundstage to my satisfaction.

Volumio has become much more stable. I haven’t encountered any service interruptions for quite some time, although the software hasn’t been updated and is still not on par with other apps. I’ve learned to work around it, as its sound quality outweighs the inconvenience. Others who don’t care about the sound quality difference Qobuz Connect and its native app can simply use the former without any complaints.

lanx0003
1,954 posts
 

@jjss49  

FWIW, let me share my experience with these two devices—you’ll immediately understand what I mean. Playing ‘Simple Song’ by Passenger on the Rivo+, I felt like Michael was singing right in the room with me, with the whole band surrounding him. It was incredibly real. On the Nano, it felt more like a very natural / smooth recording playing on my first rig. Try this track tonight with your eyes closed and see if you experience the same sensation.

Exaggeration? you bet! But that’s exactly how it felt.

sls883
1,058 posts
 

I bought a Gustard U26. It arrived yesterday. I’m using it with a Gustard X30 dac and Innuos Zen Mk3 streamer. 

I am very happy with it.  It’s replacing a Gustard U18 ddc and a LHY ock-2 clock. 

I’m not searching for upgrades any longer.  The U26 and X30 work beautifully in my system. Everything improved. Soundstage, detail, clarity. Bass is punchier. It's one of the better upgrades that I've made. 

stillbuyingtoys OP
26 posts
 

@sls883 I truly believe the magic in the U26 is in the filtration.  

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