DDC or Server upgrade/DDC benefits

[Double E]

I cannot home test (most new gear I have been able to in the past) a new server or DDC in my system so I have been researching a lot and going back n forth in my head over Server v DDC upgrade.
I listen around 50/50 vinyl v digital. I love the sound I am getting from my digital set up now.
I use Roon core out of 2019 Mac minI out to other room into standard network switch with a SOTM Cat 7 Ethernet cable into SOTM SMS-200 Ultra Neo (with S Booster) then Curious USB cables via iso regen into Denafrips Pontus II.

My key question and reason for posting is:

What I was hoping to find out here is: given there is a clock in the SOTM could I still expect a nice SQ improvement with the USB into a Denafrips Hermes DDC (or any DDC) then I2S (Tubulus Argentus) into Pontus II (or any DAC). I am no across all the science, but essentially I am wondering about the two clocks being overkill. I2S is the recommended best option by Denafrips

Mac handles Roon nicely and, I know other software/players might sound better, but Roon adds to my listening experience so I am sticking. Servers considered are the Antipodes S40 (heavily discountEd used) and Roon Nucleus plus (also heavily discountEd).

I am Assuming adding a DDC would give more SQ improvement than server change.

Any input would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[jerrybj]

I'm just starting out on this.
Had M2Tech Evo Two/Clock, but only used it in a noisy work environment.

Received an Audio GD DI-20HE last week.
What a difference it has made to the information below the surface. Stunned is my reaction.
Will eventually use a Mad Scientist AES/EBU cable to Dac (although have a Blue Jeans I2S cable to try also).

Have read and discussed DDCs, with the Audio GD coming up winner first at performance, and second at price.
Clock considerations are next.

 

[jerrybj]

Have ordered an Audience AU24Sx AES/EBU cable to go with the Audio GD DI-20HE DDC to Dac.
Had an LKY OCK-1 master clock arrive this week to pair with it, and ordered a Gustard C2 50? clock cable.

 

[Dasign]

I cannot home test (most new gear I have been able to in the past) a new server or DDC in my system so I have been researching a lot and going back n forth in my head over Server v DDC upgrade.
I listen around 50/50 vinyl v digital. I love the sound I am getting from my digital set up now.
I use Roon core out of 2019 Mac minI out to other room into standard network switch with a SOTM Cat 7 Ethernet cable into SOTM SMS-200 Ultra Neo (with S Booster) then Curious USB cables via iso regen into Denafrips Pontus II.

My key question and reason for posting is:

What I was hoping to find out here is: given there is a clock in the SOTM could I still expect a nice SQ improvement with the USB into a Denafrips Hermes DDC (or any DDC) then I2S (Tubulus Argentus) into Pontus II (or any DAC). I am no across all the science, but essentially I am wondering about the two clocks being overkill. I2S is the recommended best option by Denafrips

Mac handles Roon nicely and, I know other software/players might sound better, but Roon adds to my listening experience so I am sticking. Servers considered are the Antipodes S40 (heavily discountEd used) and Roon Nucleus plus (also heavily discountEd).

I am Assuming adding a DDC would give more SQ improvement than server change.

Any input would be appreciated, thanks.

I own the Denafrips Terminator Plus DAC. I installed the Hermes DDC about a month after the purchase of my DAC and no regrets. I am using the I2S HDMI connection. The sound is cleaner with an improvement in soundstage and imaging. It does not change the overall tonality/quality of the DAC.

 

[Double E]

I own the Denafrips Terminator Plus DAC. I installed the Hermes DDC about a month after the purchase of my DAC and no regrets. I am using the I2S HDMI connection. The sound is cleaner with an improvement in soundstage and imaging. It does not change the overall tonality/quality of the DAC.

Thanks, that is helpful. I ended up getting Nucleus and I was pleasantly surprised by an slight SQ improvement which I hadn’t expected & it functions that but smoother than the Mac and is great wit hRoon Arc. I intend to add in the Hermes early next year. Then I am set I reckon. Speaker upgrade In a year or two .