Great network streamers with only USB outputs
I'm looking to upgrade my streaming from a Logitech Transporter to something a bit more hi-end.
Problem is most of my choices have USB outputs only. My DAC Bel Canto 3.7 (recently upgraded by Ace Tomato) Doesn't support USB. All of a sudden it seems like manufacturers are putting usb outs only. I'm looking at Sonore Rendu & Innuos products mainly because I will be able to keep the Squeezebox ecosystem with these products, and they both appear to be of good quality. Some of the Innuos products do provide Spdif out, but they have internal DACs, which I'm not interested in.
Now I'm longing for a DAC that supports USB. maybe the Bel Canto 2.7 which I'm not sure if it will be better than my Bel Canto 3.7 with upgraded power supply etc.
Do USB converters degrade the audio signal ? Do I have to search out and expensive USB to SPDIF converter ?
I wonder what others are doing with older type DACs that they love ?
The Sonore Rendu setup looks real hi-end. Seems they have really taken the time to clean up the digital audio signal. I would really like to go that route. Their USB to SPDIF converter costs $500usd.
Please don't bother recommending other streamers which take me out of the Squeezebox LMS ecosystem.
Maybe tell me about your work around for USB out only devices. Perhaps someone can give me a comparisons on the Bel Canto 3.7 to the Bel Canto 2.7. I love Bel canto and might just change DACs. As the 2.7 is more future proof.
Thanks for any input you may be able to provide.
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@carlsbad2 I hear you on Bel Canto not building DACs with USB, but it seems they are in the practice now. As I looked into the Sonore Rendu... So many boxes needing power supplies. Doesn't take long to get the price tag past $2500. I've heard amazing things about Grimm MU1 streamer, but that is a major jump up in price.
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@tvad Thanks, but I'm not sure they all use a squeezebox interface. The main reason I'm sticking with LMS end point is , its a nice open source ecosystem. It's been around for over a decade and it's always being updated. |
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@tvad Yes I know that. Pulse Mini seems more affordable than Pulse, but without linear power supply. I like that Innuos lets you use Squeezebox interface and easily flip over to their own Sense app, which I hear is very good. Just haven't heard that its a huge step up from my Transporter for the price. I found someone selling Pulsemini + Linear power supply for $1400usd. Again feeling like its a lateral move right now. I'm trying to dig down on this.... |
