Higher End DACs

@audiotroy  Valid points. I am aware of the stated 'superiority' of the USB input over the LAN input. 

However, @khiak is in the beginning stages with respect to streaming. Therefore, WiFi / LAN for Tidal makes sense as a starting point (for him). I'm sure, as he develops his familiarity, comfort level,  knowledge and understanding of streaming he will move in directions that include Roon as well as possibly choosing USB.

In my case, when I conducted the comparisons with my former chain, the LAN input was superior to the USB. So, for now, I am LAN in direct from my server (dual / bridged LAN).

I have servers coming in for evaluation so I can tease out which input I end up choosing and whether I can live with a pure server option OR I need to go with a Server/Renderer ala Innuos / Wolf Audio / Pink Faun / Taiko. 

@audiotroy Thanks for the info SD capability. As I am new in streaming, I should just slowly progress up the streaming food chains and hopefully in the near future to listen to the DSD1024,

Hi @david_ten 

You listed a few SOTA servers in there, which are all top of the line best there is!

IMO, part of the digital chain is server, then streamer, right before DAC. Obviously, if the DAC has a built in network bridge (LAN), that IS your streamer, so you only have to worry about the server.

Further, and of course IMHO, you should try a top class server/ streamer combo, feeding your SDV 3100 via its USB input. And with the new Innuos PhoenixUSB reclocker (albeit more than a reclocker), there has never been a better time. After I had the PhoenixUSB in my chain for a few days, downstream of my ZENith MK3, I sold them both! Now you may wonder why....

The PhoenixUSB was so good, and so effective, that I went ahead and got myself an Innuos Statement!

One more observation from my own experience at my system: adding a PhoenixUSB to my. ZENith MK3, made a substantially more positive impact relative to replacing the ZENith MK3 / PhoenixUSB combo with the Statement. However, I do NOT regret doing this. An improvement, small or big, is still an improvement 

pS. Just updated my virtual system in here

It is nice to know that other people are realizing we really know our stuff concerning high end digital.

We have been extolling the audibile improvements of a high end server for many years now. The sound quality of each improvement, Zenith, Zenith + Phonix, and then Statment are audible.

At this time we have three referenence servers at our shop: the Baetis Reference, the Laufer Technik Memory Player and the Innous products.

It is quite remarkable that all three devices do indeed sound different.

We are still on the look out for a new server line that can do DSD 1024 for use with our T+A SDV 3100.

For the Statement users replacing the stock umbilicals with custom ones made by the Chord company we are a dealer for these, also makes a noticable improvement in the sound of the Statment.

Also Critical Mass Center Stage footers produce another very audibile jump in performance.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ T+A, Innous, Chord, Crtitical Mass, dealers

iFi Pro iDSD claims to do DSD1024 and costs $2.5k.  Dave you sell that one too, right?