Convert USB to SPDIF

I've got the vlink mentioned above.  How about $50 shipped?

Why don’t you do a Roon/Pi setup with a HiFi Berry output card?

https://www.hifiberry.com/shop/boards/hifiberry-digiplus-standard-version/

Try reset on the Node.
It worked on mine.

Or just try the $20 one short term.
You're already sacrificing SQ playing a laptop.

The laptop-Dragonfly-mini cable into the analog inputs of the AVR seems to work o.k.  I had bought a mini cable from Best Buy late yesterday but then didn’t have much time for comparative listening.  I don’t use this system for streaming very much, it’s primarily for video and surround sound music.
  Searching through my pile of unused equipment I came across a Musical Fidelity VLink.  I had bought one when it came out because I had a DAC that didn’t play asynchronous USB.  If I remember it worked for a few days then would sputter during replay.  I think it was a demo unit from a dealer who was going out of business so no refund.  Ultimately I bought an Oppo 105 which had asynchronous USB

Ok, the proverbial dumb question,  I'm reading this post and others, my question. is it always advised to convert USB to Spdif? I'm running from Windows 10 laptop to Schiit Wyrd( decrapifier) then in Project box S2.  Will converting usb to spiff always sound better? Better in all respects. Thank you, Otto