Which type of cable sounds best for Streamer to DAC: AES/EBU or DIGITAL COAX or USB ??

AES works best for me between a number of streamers and my Bel Canto DAC’s. I would say it all depends on the implementation on the DAC end so try them all and see what you like best. It will probably be between USB and AES based on my experience. Cable choice does matter even with USB so this can have an influence on your choice as well. 

I tried both USB and AES between my Lumin Digital Transport and my Holo Audio Sprong DAC 3 KTE, and I preferred the AES to USB.  It just sounded warmer and and smoother to my ears. 

I have not tried the I2S connection because of all the confusion over the pin set up required.. its a mess.  Its too bad, because I understand the Holo Audio did a good job with it...

Another vote for AES with my Lumin and DAC setup, after trying USB and Digital Coax.

 

However, when I had a BlueSound Node130, my preference was the Digital Coax. Best approach is to try various outputs and see what works best for you.

bumping an old thread for my Lumin u2

Before, i heard that usb is least preferred because it’s noisy

 

However, in the new Lumin there is a usb to dac port. They call it a direct coupled usb out and its supposedly ultra low noise/low jitter

Reviewers have raved over it saying it bests AES

do you believe this will become the new standard in connecting streamers to dacs in the coming years?

 

Do you think this will become the new standard from connecting streamers to dacs?