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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
bunkertoy's avatar
bunkertoy OP
29 posts
 

Update:

I've purchased a Antipodes DS-3 recently upgraded by the company in 2020 with 4TB SSD drives among other things. This unit does have a Spdif output, despite the company suggesting to use USB.

I paid $550usd + S booster linear power supply $185usd

The seller told me it sounds great using LMS, better than Roon end point.

Antipodes has a very robust support team. They will walk you through everything as you navigate the system.

This company has a great reputation, I'm extremely happy to have got this for a decent price.

I wasn't even looking for storage space, let alone 4TB worth.

I'll follow up with sound. I'm receiving it tomorrow.

soix
8,698 posts
 

Congrats!  I’m sure it’ll sound great but looking forward to your impressions. 

mazian's avatar
mazian
351 posts
 

You got a bargain. I'm sure you will enjoy.

bunkertoy's avatar
bunkertoy OP
29 posts
 

@soix btw Soix, I have the most updated version of Bel Canto 3.7 power supply. I got it upgraded from the VBS1 to a VBL(Linear). I lost the 3 connections for only one, didn't need a 3 connection setup. Dac also go a reference upgrade, I couldn't afford the "Statement" upgrade.

All modified by ACE Tomato (formerly of Bel Canto) He has been a blessing to me. Honest tech.

 

krell_fan1's avatar
krell_fan1
93 posts
 

I had a Signature Optical Rendu Se and my unit had only USB but I believe newest model has added a port, like maybe AES but unsure. In any case, I LOVED Sonore and it does support Squeeze, of which I am a huge fan even though I had a lifetime sub for Roon. Incomparable . The support for Squeeze and at the time my SGC was just OK (lousy GUI). So I moved to Antipodes which allocates great resources in support of Squeeze. But I can recommend Sonore for sure at a "moderate" price point relative to others. 

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