New denafrips DDC (Iris and Gaia)

[karsonkwan]

I experienced something similar. In my case I decided the cause was my computer (Apple MBP M1) did not have the power to do the computing needed with HQplayer and Roon using some of the more computing heavy filters.

Also I believe I2s has a maximum of 705.6k so HQplayer needs to be kept within that limit when using I2s from the Iris to the dac.

That is not my case. If not use the ddc and connect the dac directly is no problem. I use this setting for one year. Poppling sound happen after I use the DDC.

 

[S Crowther]

That is not my case. If not use the ddc and connect the dac directly is no problem. I use this setting for one year. Poppling sound happen after I use the DDC.

Then I don't know. Let's see if someone else can help.

 

[karsonkwan]

Then I don't know. Let's see if someone else can help.

Thanks

 

[sajunky]

Then I don't know. Let's see if someone else can help.

Not, you did the best.

 

[S Crowther]

You can always ask Alvin at sales@vinshineaudio.com

 

[S Crowther]

 

[vvume]

@rreynolds any feedback on original Gaia vs 12th?

@rreynolds I am curious about this too, but I didn't come across your comparison if you did post one. Can you share your opinions on the differences or point me to any prior postings on the comparison?

 

[S Crowther]

@rreynolds I am curious about this too, but I didn't come across your comparison if you did post one. Can you share your opinions on the differences or point me to any prior postings on the comparison?

I have the original. I asked the dealer about upgrading. He said the changes were minor and not worth it.

 

[vvume]

I have the original. I asked the dealer about upgrading. He said the changes were minor and not worth it.

I did a bit more research and finally got some answers from the YouTube video linked below from Denafrips. The Gaia 12th vs the original Gaia has these changes:

• UPOCC copper transformer of higher wattage (Side note: I have UPOCC copper interconnects from Iconoclast cables and UPOCC copper is known for tonal richness.)
• UPOCC copper gold-plated inlet
• Aluminum casing encapsulating the clocks for better RFI/EMI shielding
• Denafrips sourced capacitors replacing older Elna/Nichicon capacitors, but supposedly of comparable quality
• Other non-described changes to the circuitry

At least one reviewer apparently experienced greater clarity going from Gaia to Gaia 12th. (I suspect this is @rreynolds himself given that the reviewer is listed as Robert R.).

In the end, I am theorizing that it might be the aluminum casing over the OCXO clocks that might be making the most noticeable difference in terms of quieter background, improving clarity. Given no tonal shift heard, I don't think the UPOCC copper is improving tone as it is not directly in the signal path.

I don't think it would be worth it for existing Gaia owners to upgrade, but for folks deciding between a used Gaia vs. a new Gaia 12th, it might be worth the splurge unless the original is available at a deep discount.

 

[jlr261]

Yep, I received my Denafrips Iris 12th (newer model designated by 12th) last week which has a bigger power supply and some new secret sauce.
- I added a DDC from Denafrips Iris 12th which improved the sound (due to a better thermal clock TCXO) for my already great Denafrips Ares II 12th (a DAC with R2R technology for 3D live/realism)
1. Significant sound quality improvement (bigger stage, vocals).
2. Streaming from my iPhone 12 Pro max, even with the songs downloaded to my iphone, is more stable (no more hiccuping or skipping to the next song before finishing the current song).
3. Songs start and fast forward quicker.

- Yesterday I replaced my streamer using an iPhone 12 Pro Max with the Eversolo DMP-A6 streamer with native Apple Music for hi-res lossless and ripping my CDs to it.

source=Apple Music (hires lossless, and spatial audio surround music)

Hello Funnychap!
I've just embarked down the rabbit hole and it so happens that my acquisitions are exactly the same as yours...i.e.:
- EVERSOLO DMP-A6, into
- IRIS 12th, into
- ARES 12th-1, into
- UNISON RESEARCH UNICO DUE Hybrid integrate amplifier, into
- Clayton Shaw/Acoustic Lab CALADAN Open baffle speaker prototypes or/ PSB Synchrony One Towers, or/ Magnepan LRS+

In any case, I am very excited as all that I have right now are the speakers, after I sold off most of my gear during an international move...

Questions:
- How is the synergy between the three elements?
- How have you connected them (curious and a little leery about I²S between IRIS and ARES)?
- What quality cables/interconnects/power cords do you use, are upgrades from the regular ones provided with each element recommended?
- I get 90% of my music from QOBUZ these days, with some vinyl and CD as well as I still have a small collection of both.

In any case, very much interested in hearing your experience and getting your advice on what to look for...

Have a great weekend !!
JLR261

 

[medon]

Update after one year with the Gaia (12th) in between my Auralic Aries (femto) streamer and Venus II (latest firmware):

Upgrading the streamers PSU made a still very noticable impact.

So, even with a DDC in between digital source and DAC, one is still not "safe and sound" regarding noise and jitter... kinda sad, but not unexpected.

If you are contemplating getting a DDC to improve sound quality, think about getting a PSU upgrade for your streamer first.

 

[Funnychap]

Hello Funnychap!
I've just embarked down the rabbit hole and it so happens that my acquisitions are exactly the same as yours...i.e.:
- EVERSOLO DMP-A6, into
- IRIS 12th, into
- ARES 12th-1, into
- UNISON RESEARCH UNICO DUE Hybrid integrate amplifier, into
- Clayton Shaw/Acoustic Lab CALADAN Open baffle speaker prototypes or/ PSB Synchrony One Towers, or/ Magnepan LRS+

In any case, I am very excited as all that I have right now are the speakers, after I sold off most of my gear during an international move...

Questions:
- How is the synergy between the three elements?
- How have you connected them (curious and a little leery about I²S between IRIS and ARES)?
- What quality cables/interconnects/power cords do you use, are upgrades from the regular ones provided with each element recommended?
- I get 90% of my music from QOBUZ these days, with some vinyl and CD as well as I still have a small collection of both.

In any case, very much interested in hearing your experience and getting your advice on what to look for...

Have a great weekend !!
JLR261

about I²S between IRIS and ARES, I used a 1.6' HDMI $20 cable from Crutchfield.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_007HDM210M/Crutchfield-Premium-HDMI-2-1-Cable-5-meters-1-6-feet.html

about cables: I heard an improvement upgrading to the Cardas Clear USB (between Eversolo streamer and Denafrips Iris 12th ddc). https://amzn.to/4bWXpj8

about cables: I heard an improvement upgrading to the Cardas Parsec RCA (between Denafrips Pontus 12th-1 and my amp Parasound 2125v2 which I've recently upgraded to NAD C298). https://amzn.to/3VsQfvR

I stream from Apple Music lossless.

My video:

 

[Funnychap]

Update after one year with the Gaia (12th) in between my Auralic Aries (femto) streamer and Venus II (latest firmware):

Upgrading the streamers PSU made a still very noticable impact.

So, even with a DDC in between digital source and DAC, one is still not "safe and sound" regarding noise and jitter... kinda sad, but not unexpected.

If you are contemplating getting a DDC to improve sound quality, think about getting a PSU upgrade for your streamer first.

Yep I agree.

I started with the Denafrips Iris 12th ddc (which improved the sound quality and improved the connection), then I upgraded my Eversolo DMP-A6 streamer's power supply to a LPS by Beatechnik and I still heard a sound improvement.

source=Apple Music lossless

 

[sygnus21]

There's always going to be a change in sound quality anytime you change something in the chain. That never stops. It's simply a matter of whether the change is good or not, and how far is one willing to go for said changes - do I continuously chase cables, gear and other items or will I ever be satisfied.

For me, I'm satisfied where I am now - no power supply upgrades, no more cable chases. Done.

 

[Simon Patten]

Anyone with experience of using an Iris with an ADI-2 DAS FS? Is there a worthwhile improvement or does the FS clock already do the job well enough?