LAiV Harmony uDDC Re-clocker/DDC

[MAURO16164]

The uDCC Laiv will ship with a small power supply like those found on cell phon es, so to speak, obviously at 5v. However, Alvin said that by purchasing a linear power supply, always at 5V, you will get a notable increase in performance. Something like that will be fine, otherwise there are even more performing and expensive solutions but I don't think it's necessary to spend much more. https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005...EbFxfsxk&utparam-url=scene:search|query_from:

 

[sygnus21]

The "u" is actually the greek "micro" symbol...still not sure what it means. Maybe "mirco DDC" as a marketing play to portray accuracy?

Thanks for the Greek symbology lesson, but that go me no closer to what in means in the function of the device.... which was the question

That said, I could see the "u" standing for micro since the unit itself is very small so perhaps it's more about form than function

 

[rafabro]

I don't think it's necessary to spend much more

Powers supplies are one of the most important piece of audio equipment. Better PS, better final sound quality.

 

[sygnus21]

The uDCC Laiv will ship with a small power supply like those found on cell phon es, so to speak, obviously at 5v. However, Alvin said that by purchasing a linear power supply, always at 5V, you will get a notable increase in performance.

Hmm..... not only are you convinced to buy the uDDC, but also to overlook the inadequate power supply it ships with

 

[catastrofe]

Thanks for the Greek symbology lesson, but that go me no closer to what in means in the function of the device.... which was the question

That said, I could see the "u" standing for micro since the unit itself is very small so perhaps it's more about form than function

I'm not sure why you think the "u" in the name is required to indicate something in the "function of the device"...it's just the name.

Hmm..... not only are you convinced to buy the uDDC, but also to overlook the inadequate power supply it ships with

How do you know the power supply is inadequate? It is not an absolute that replacing a SMPS with a linear supply will improve audio quality. Sometimes the supplied PS is perfectly fine (except for those with audiophilia nervosa).

 

[sygnus21]

I'm not sure why you think the "u" in the name is required to indicate something in the "function of the device"...it's just the name.

I think you're trying (and failing) to put your intent on meaning to my posts. There's zero nefarious about what I ask or post.

How do you know the power supply is inadequate? It is not an absolute that replacing a SMPS with a linear supply will improve audio quality. Sometimes the supplied PS is perfectly fine (except for those with audiophilia nervosa).

Did you actually read the post to include the quote I quoted??? If you did, you'd understand why I said what said. Context is everything....

The uDCC Laiv will ship with a small power supply like those found on cell phon es, so to speak, obviously at 5v. However, Alvin said that by purchasing a linear power supply, always at 5V, you will get a notable increase in performance.

Hmm..... not only are you convinced to buy the uDDC, but also to overlook the inadequate power supply it ships with

If someone told me I'd get a noticeable increase in performance, then I'd like to know why I can't get that with the already included PS?

I'm thinking that's a legitimate concern or ask

 

[catastrofe]

I think you're trying (and failing) to put your intent on meaning to my posts. There's zero nefarious about what I ask or post.


Did you actually read the post to include the quote I quoted??? If you did, you'd understand my I said what said. Context is everything....


If someone told me I'd get a noticeable increase in performance, then I'd like to know why I can't get that with the already included PS?

I'm thinking that's a legitimate concern or ask

You're correct...my apologies...I really wasn't focused on context.

 

[Jake2]

I think it's an interesting proposition in a market fair crowded with DDCs at different price points. The upgradeability of the external power supply could be a pro or a con to different folk with X budget for a DDC depending on whether someone has a spare high quality 5V LPS to hand.

I see it slots in price wise between the IRIS (USD560) and Hermes (USD1299), so one would hope at USD850 (800 for existing Harmony owners) the uDDC with its included AC adaptor it would solidly outperform the IRIS. How the stock uDDC fares vs the Hermes or Audio-GD DI-24/25HE (USD1,100) would be interesting.

The question to my mind is how much would it scale with a better power supply, whether that's an LPS (there'll be someone with a spare Farad Super-3 or similar, mark my words) or a low noise SMPS like one of the better IFis (if indeed they're better than the uDDC stock), could it approach or better the Hermes, the Audio GDs or even the more expensive Gaia (USD1,820). Noting the Hermes and Gaia have OCXOs at progressively good performance levels, so the uDDC's oscillator is likely a limiting factor (certainly vs the Gaia) unless one goes the external clock route, which it should be noted the Denafrips DDCs provide for also.

I look forward to the reviews.

 

[uncola]

I thought OXCO advantage was long term stability and that femto txco were just as good for audio purposes.. hence goldenone measuring the audiogd di20 just as good as denafrips hermes etc

 

[Jake2]

I thought OXCO advantage was long term stability and that femto txco were just as good for audio purposes.. hence goldenone measuring the audiogd di20 just as good as denafrips hermes etc

I'm not sure I'd describe it quite like that. Short term stability, particularly close-offset phase noise (and Allen deviation), is from my reading the primarily accepted measure of oscillator performance in an audio context whether the oscillator sits in a DAC or offboard in a DDC or other device generating the synchronous stream.

OCXOs can vary hugely in performance and their prices reflect this, a cheaper one is not necessarily any better performing than other types of oscillators.

In the case of the Audio-gd, its regenerated power supply no doubt plays a part in its high performance.

 

[sygnus21]

I think it's an interesting proposition in a market fair crowded with DDCs at different price points. The upgradeability of the external power supply could be a pro or a con to different folk with X budget for a DDC depending on whether someone has a spare high quality 5V LPS to hand.

I prefer units with full sized power supplies and standard IEC sockets; and why I never bought into Burson amps. But yeah, that's me.

I see it slots in price wise between the IRIS (USD560) and Hermes (USD1299), so one would hope at USD850 (800 for existing Harmony owners) the uDDC with its included AC adaptor it would solidly outperform the IRIS. How the stock uDDC fares vs the Hermes or Audio-GD DI-24/25HE (USD1,100) would be interesting.

That's a whole lot of speculation there with nothing to go on other than supposition. There aren't even any reviews on the device yet

One the other hand there are plenty of reviews on the Iris and Hermes; both of which I also happen to own

could it approach or better the Hermes, the Audio GDs or even the more expensive Gaia (USD1,820). Noting the Hermes and Gaia have OCXOs at progressively good performance levels, so the uDDC's oscillator is likely a limiting factor (certainly vs the Gaia) unless one goes the external clock route, which it should be noted the Denafrips DDCs provide for also.

I look forward to the reviews.

Perhaps wishful thinking? Bear in mind the unit is built as a "match" for the LAiV Harmony DACS, not Denafrips' DACs!!!

Could they be interchangeable, probably, but there's still the synergy question - one may simply sound better on the system for which it was designed to be used.

BTW....

 

[Jake2]

100% agree it’s speculation, and maybe wishful thinking, just framing the upgrade ability of the PS as a potential positive in my view. Hence my closing comments re looking forward to reviews.

Good point re synergy, definitely another factor.

 

[sygnus21]

100% agree it’s speculation, and maybe wishful thinking, just framing the upgrade ability of the PS as a potential positive in my view. Hence my closing comments re looking forward to reviews.

Good point re synergy, definitely another factor.

To be clear, and knowing what I know now, I'd definitely get the uDDC if I had the LAiV Harmony.... just as I got the Iris, and later, Hermes for the Pontus so I definitely get the enthusiasm and questions. I would just caution the speculation, but i am not unlike you in your curiosity

 

[sygnus21]

Would like to add I'm also curious to see how it stacks against the Iris.

 

[Jake2]

The uDDC wouldn’t be my first DDC rodeo^, I've had some mixed experiences, but I’m curious and hopeful LAiV have done a great job of it. I really do not need any more DDCs, but after being seriously tempted by the DI-24/25HE I now find myself torn, tempted by this new arrival. Must. Wait. For. Reviews.

^DDCs and USB regens/reclockers that I own* or have had in my system for a month or more, best sounding in-my-system first: Innuos Phoenix USB >> Audio-Gd DI20HE > *LHY UIP USB > *U18 ~ *SU6 > *Douk U2 pro (Crystek CCHD957) > *U2 Pro (stock).