DAC Regenerator and Reclocking Devices

@dlcockrum 

I stand corrected. My apologies.

"adding a USB to SPDIF converter to run AES/EBU between it and the DAC is not much different than adding the USB gizmos"

Dave, one exception in your scenario; the Aurender USB Audio 2.0 to SPDIF ( COAX ) Converter does not require external PSU compare to ISO Regen. That's one less gizmo in big scheme of things :-)

I have no experience with ISO Regen or Aurender USB Converter but since you own N100H, only you can determine which one of these gizmo sounds the best in your setup.  

Well said Lalit. Thanks.

Dave

USB vs spdif (AES/EBU, coax, optical), it depends where the DAC manufacturer chose to focus investment. Some (many?) of the latest DAC builders/sellers seem to be placing their main emphasis on superior USB circuitry. Some have effective galvanic isolation built in. Some even use FPGA technology to eliminate the traditional role of clocks in the DAC (Exogal Comet for example) and thus sensitivity to noise riding on the signal.

IMO, adding a USB to SPDIF converter to run AES/EBU between it and the DAC is not much different than adding the USB gizmos. Counter to Forest Gump’s wisdom ("One less thing."). That is unless your DAC cannot handle USB from your USB-only Linux-based server/renderer/streamer in which case it is likely to be "the lessor of the evils" solution and thus a smart one.....

+1, Dave.

A lot depends on whether your dac is designed primarily for usb or ethernet.

And in my case, the Ayre QB-9 DSD strictly houses a single USB input. 

Additional thought to Dave:
Not only does it matter where the DAC builder/engineer focused the resources, but a given DAC will sound better or worse on SPDIF vs. USB depending upon the density of the signal (MP3 to 16/44 to 24/192 etc.)

After considering several alternative, I decided upon the USB Disruptor and found a remarkable reduction what is termed digital artifacts, such as glare. The concept is to eliminate the noise before it is added by the power supply within standard USB connections. And yes, I have read articles that suggest this is not a viable approach.

But, trust your ears, not the scientists.I run Tidal through 5 meters of Ethernet through a laptop, then 5 meters to the DAC to a tube pre-amp to tube amps and I rarely hear anything more musical  But the reviewers and scientists would likely find unacceptable fault.  

In today's audio world, the makers and retailers provide a time to listen and compare. If not, I would likely buy nothing. But I keep one item and return another almost every month. I suggest the road is tiresome, but worthwhile.

Nice post wgutz, especially the part about trust your ears. Thank you.

Dave

Ideon 3R best them all.