Best Cable Option: Streamer to DAC

You won’t get any definite consensus here....choose a streamer / DAC that does not limits your connectivity. This way you can try and use the protocol that sounds best to your ears.

“I was recently told that the inherent limitation of SPDIF connection is PCM 192Hz.” - True, but I wouldn’t look at this as a limitation since current streaming services tops at 24bit/192kHz resolution. Jitter is no longer an issue with most modern DAC’s or streamers that now has internal clocks to combat jitter.

“is there any audible difference from the higher sample rates?” - Yes, as long as you have a system that allows you to appreciate the difference. You do need DSD files to appreciate the uptick in SQ. In this case USB is the obvious choice. 

S/PDIF is also limited to 24 bits while USB can pass 32 bits (in case you are interested).

Is there an audible difference? Now that’s a loaded question!

My feeling is that, all things being equal, yes there is an audible difference.

I’m a big proponent of using a DDC when passing hi-res files (DSD) through USB to a DAC. I connect my media player to a DDC (Singxer SU-1) then on to my DAC (Gustard x20 Pro) via I2S. 
My media player is an Asus VivoPC (a fan-less, small form factor pc) so to remove all noise from the USB, I rely on the DDC. At lower resolutions it may not make a noticeable difference though.

It’s a very good question.  Unfortunately, the answer isn’t  nearly as good: It depends.

It depends on your particular components.  In newer units, and only in general, it would appear to most forum participants that USB tends to sound better than SPDIF (and AES EBU which is essentially an SPDIF over a balanced cable) as it is higher bandwidth and enables the DAC to be the clock coordinating the two.  There are those who disagree, of course.  And, many successfully argue that USB is a terrible audio interface as it’s really optimized for computer convenience.  It can pick up electrical noise and be finicky.

Nevertheless, in my own units, USB is superior to SPDIF.   It’s pretty clear that there are very good older DACs for which the USB interface was an afterthought and falls far short of SPDIF.  If you use SPDIF, be sure to use a 1.5M true digital cable with a 75 ohm impedance. (Worth some google time as to why if you’re wanting to use and SPDIF).

Optical solves an electrical noise problem but it tends to be “jittery” and I haven’t seen many people claiming it’s the equal of USB or SPDIF.

Some new units also accept Ethernet and some are using IS2. I am using the latter between my Auralic Aries G2 and Auralic Vega G2.1. It’s at least the equal of the USB (probably slightly better) but also allows additional communication and resource sharing.  

In sum, the only way to really know is to try the various options with your own gear.  You may conclude something entirely different than what I’ve suggested above, or you may find that your results are somewhat consistent with the above.  Unfortunately, there’s no substitute for trying it yourself.  But, i do think your DAC manufacturer will have some guidance as to what they suggest will work best.  Perhaps start there.

Best,

The best (as always) is what sounds best to you in your budget.