DDC Benefits for PULSE

[EdMar24]

Has anyone experimented having a DDC between the Pulse streamer and a DAC? I have a Pulse/Denafrips Venus setup and wonder if adding a DDC to convert the digital signal to I2S will have any sound quality benefits. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

 

[zelman5000]

While I've had worthwhile improvements from adding a Denafrips Iris 12th DDC between my Zen Mk III and Denafrips Pontus II I wouldn't attribute it to the interface (I2S) too much- power and cabling make significant improvements, too.

 

[frank7036]

A lot depends on how the DAC handles different formats on input. From my experiences so far, generally getting the cleanest signal, whatever format, to the DAC provides more benefit than a particular format.

 

[EdMar24]

While I've had worthwhile improvements from adding a Denafrips Iris 12th DDC between my Zen Mk III and Denafrips Pontus II I wouldn't attribute it to the interface (I2S) too much- power and cabling make significant improvements, too.

Thank you for sharing. What power and interconnect cables are you using with good results?

 

[zelman5000]

Audioquest Diamond (USB) and Carbon (HDMI 48) as well as Z3 power cables

 

[Steven]

Thank you for sharing. What power and interconnect cables are you using with good results?

Without wishing to rain on Zelman's parade, these two USB cables are available:

Neotech single crystal UP-OCC copper 100% insulated with gold plated connectors

NEUB-3020 Neotech USB 2.0 cable, UP-OCC Copper | HIFICollective

NEUB-3020 Neotech USB 2.0 cable, UP-OCC Copper

www.hificollective.co.uk

Neotech single crystal UP-OCC silver 100% insulated with gold plated connectors

NEUB-1020 Neotech USB 2.0 cable, UP-OCC Silver | HIFICollective

NEUB-1020 Neotech USB 2.0 cable, UP-OCC Silver

www.hificollective.co.uk

These will cost you £50 and £95 respectively, plus postage, about £19 worldwide.

Notes on Shipping / Shipping Policy | HIFICollective

Notes on Shipping / Shipping Policy

www.hificollective.co.uk

For your location, they ship from suppliers in the USA, but are more expensive.

I use the silver cable. Some companies dress up these UP-OCC cables and charge 10 or 20 times the price.

I've always used usb and one of the main reasons for buying a Pulsar was because of the PhoenixUSB Lite usb output.