Are USB-SPDIF's relevant with today's DAC USB technology?

cerrot

USB is the worst thing you can use.  USB is for printers and mice - NOT music!

Would you please explain why you feel USB is inferior for audio? Isn't one of its advantages the ability to handle DSD?

Here's my experience with USB...
- started with the Schiit Bofrost with the onboard USB port
- I upgraded to the next gen USB port - which made some SQ improvements
- I then installed the Musical Fidelity V-Link 192 converter - significant SQ improvement.
-  I also tried various USB cables but found the Doukmall dual lead to perform the best
- I also tried a few power supplies and found the Enercell USB power supply the best/priced - but there are better linear supplies out there

The main issues I believe is whether the DAC utilizes the power from the USB port (via the USB cable).The Bifrost and Gungnir does, (they share the same USB upgrade),  which I believe to be their achilies heel.
- if it does -  you will experience inferior sound quality
- if it does not - then you just need a reasonable quality USB cable in order to achieve very good sound quality
- or you can bypass the USB interface with something like the V-link192, like I did

My current streaming device is the Bluesound Node2 and PowerNode2(in my AV system). Works via Ethernet and is a significant improvement over the USB approach.

The Bluesound devices are easy to setup/use, less complicated to maintain from a software upgrade perspective and provide very good sound quality.

Gone are the days when the "player" does not work because of a Apple or Windows software upgrade (so far at least).

Don't get me wrong - there are Computer driven systems with DAC's out there capable of great fidelity.

There are also other streaming devices similar in nature to the Bluesound

But for me, the Bluesound was within budget and from a SQ perspective - the icing on my cake :-)

Cheers

The Berkeley Audio DAC, which is one of the best, does not accept USB in. Why?  Because using a converter is currently the best-sounding option. Their converter is top notch, as well as the M2Tech when its used with the optional battery and external clock add-ons.

I don't know why, but even though the Aries Mini has a direct coax out which is a compatible input to my non-USB equipped Schiit Gungnir DAC, I found using the Mini's USB out to a MF V-Link 192 and SPDIF from the 192 into the Gungnir delivered better sound.  The benefit was NOT subtle...fuller, more-fleshed out, more engaging sound.  

BTW - I had traded notes about USB/SPDIF converters and, specifically, the MF 192 with Williewonka.  He provided info about Doukmall's low cost double-headed USB cable that separates power and signal.  

The Aries Mini and, arguably, the Gungnir are reasonably current.  From my perspective then, a USB/SPIDF converter continues to be relevant.     

The easy answer for me is, yes. In my system using a headless modified Mac Mini as a music server (Amarra, Audirvana+ and Esoteric HR Music Player). Using Esoteric K-03x and Audioquest Carbon USB cables (2). After extensive listening, which really in retrospect was not required, the SQ improved dramatically when I installed a Bel canto REFLink USB convertor. (Transparent Ref Digital link (OUT) to K-03x).
The USB implementation of the Esoteric K-03x is very good and current. Certainly worthy of the claim that, improvements can be had by achieving complete isolation from your computer. For me its a no brainer.