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.

128x128bunkertoy

Auralic and most streamers really can use LMS it's UPNP and most streamers are compatible with that. That said you never know you may find a streamers app better I personally love the Auralic LDS app. I did use LMS back in the day with my old Squeezebox and it was just fine.

I'm thinking my budget is around $1500-$2000usd

BDP-3 on USAM for just shy of $2K.

Found a Antipodes with 4TB ssd streamer in my price range. Company seems to have a good rep.

Antipodes is about as good as it gets. I have a CX which is USB only but I believe some of their models have multiple outlets. Which model are you looking at? Incidentally they have the best customer support bar none.

@mazian I'm lookin' at the DS-3 with upgraded 4TB SSD drives. I think it has a SPDIF output also. Can't find many reviews online.