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

I have a Innuos zenith mk3 connected to Gustard X26 PRO via USB. The Gustard RR and A26 models also have USB. Excellent simple connection.

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@tvad Always had the Holo Red in my mind. decent price, great reviews.

@ivickery I looked into the Bel Canto OS (Seek) didn't interest me.

I'm looking into using a Bryston BUC-1 - USB-Spdif/AES/BNC converter.

Not ideal, but probably won't gegrade signal much.

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I like your DAC especially if you have the VBS power supply. The likely potential for a sonic upgrade and their excellent Sense app would point me toward Innuos. Either a used Zen Mk3 or a Pulse Mini with something like a Teddy Pardo LPS paired with a Denafrips Iris DDC would be the way I’d go. Either combo would cost around $2500, and the Iris may add further benefits in terms of additional noise reduction. Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck.