I have multiple older DACs that use CS8412 receiver chip and my current DDC is Gustard U12 w/ Acusilicon AS318B which is a femto clock. Would I gain anything by upgrading DDC, e.g. to Gustard U18 w/ Acusilicon AS338, given the receiver chip in DAC is lowly CS8412 ?
I have since gone out and bought Gustard U18. The answer is resounding YES. The otherwise muddy $40 DAC from Aliexpress sound pretty respectful with U18, in comparison to Gustard U12 / Douk U2 Pro and other cheaper DDC.