My LAN is all fiber and I've been thinking about trying the iFi NEO Stream and running fiber right into it (SC), as opposed to converting back to copper to iFi's fancy FMC/re-clocker.
Future DACs with Fibre Optical
I am going to need a DAC in Sept - Dec 2023 timeframe. I sold 2 Musetec 005's and 2 Sonore OpticalRendu's this week to buy a used Lumin X1. I am happy with the move since it replaced a bunch of boxes and streaming LPS's.
I was planning to use the Lumin X1 with my Livingroom speakers direct to amp. However, when I tried the X1 with my Benchmark LA4 preamp and AHB2 monos I did not want it to leave the office system. It is rather nice combo to my KEF LS50 Meta speakers.
The main reason I got the X1 was the fibre optic streaming input. It is an excellent streamer to the internal DAC and also my external Benchmark DAC3B (used for headphones). I think the OpticalRendu maybe a touch better streaming, but both are great.
I kept 1 extra Sonore OpticalRendu around for a future DAC. Though I would prefer to find a DAC with built-in streaming fibre like the Lumin X1. Are there any upcoming DACs or upgrades to existing DACs that will incorporated fibre input streaming, like the Lumin X1?
My thinking on this is to use the remaining OpticalRendu streamer with either another Musetec 005 or Mola Mola Tambaqui or get another Lumin X1 to go fibre. The X1 will also go direct to amp and the Musetec 005 and Tambaqui would be paired with a 2nd LA4 preamp. So that is a lot of boxes if I do not go Lumin X1 fibre again. In the Livingroom, a lot of living goes on, so I want to have as few boxes (or small form factor so easy to hide).
It would be very convenient if new DACs came with fibre. It is generally agreed that fibre is an excellent way to stream. I personally only stream fibre.