Help with streamer software

The ps audio provides superior output interfaces like i2s which Aurender doesn’t. As for the Aurender software, it’s terrible compared to Lightning DS, Lumin, audirvana, and of course Roon. And I would bet 99% of all Aurender users use usb output which is also a terrible interface. This is why the better dacs and streamers don’t even provide an usb interface.

Give Audirvana a try. They are improving on their gui in each release and the sound quality surpasses Aurender and other 3rd party software for sound quality, even a little bit better than Roon. Many years ago I used upnp and minimserver so my Auralic Aries Lightning DS software would interface with all my ripped/purchased music.

THe USB vs I2S debate if tremendously overblown.  While superficially I2S seems to have an advantage by seperating out the clock, the implementation of I2S has been horrible.  There is no standard and implemtation is different by every vendor.  I wouldn't be afraid to try it, it may sound great. But the truth is there is a tiny advantage and implementation matters much, much more.  Innuos buillds their streamers around USB and I'd put that up against any I2S.  My new Grimm uses AES/EBU and is fantastic.  Bottom line is, go with the one that the manufacturer built the system around.  

The negative press for USB is all about selling other options and lots of keyboard "experts" have picked up the sales pitch and run with it like the key to higher knowledge and sexual gratification.

Finally, choosing a component based on whether is has I2S support or not is like picking a state to move to based on the color of the license plate.  Focus on what really matters, not I2S.

Jerry

My Cambridge Audio CXN 60 provides great support for Internet Radio.  I have 15 favorite stations in my presets.

@carlsbad2

+1

The real key to great sound, by far is the components… not the interface. A long used, well understood connection is what components are designed around. New interfaces have the great disadvantage of maybe not catching on, or being added to other components as a an afterthought.

Why not Roon?