USB yet again

Thanks to all on this and various other threads who have been so helpful and illuminating in my search for information to level-up my streaming situation.

I’m definitely pretty budget constrained but am looking at either the Aurender N100 or Innuos Pulse on the high-end of the spectrum (for me) or the Innuos Pulse Mini on the lower end.

regarding USB, both the N100 and the Pulse are USB out only streamers.

Some here have said that finding the right DAC with a great USB implementation would be key in terms of getting the most out of such a streamer.

What are some of these DACs with a good USB input.

Neither of my DACs have USB…Border Patrol SE-I and Denafrips Ares ii.  I do have the Denafrips Iris DDC however which I could feed from one of the aforementioned streamers before the DAC, but I’m not sure of that would be extraneous on such a quality unit. 
 

Would love to get some feedback on that potential situation

thanks

JS

@j_andrews Look for Amanero or XMOS usb board in dac, not aware of any other top flight usb implementation on dacs.

I had Singxer SU6 at one point, never even bothered listening to it as research and logic made it moot point to even bother. Added complexity, DDC do have issues, even the SU6 benefited from modifications and even more complexity. The other thing remaining in favor of using usb vs I2S was optimal usb implementation in both streamer and dac, point is stick with best ports on streamer and dac. Agree with Latik, the best streamers negate the need for add ons like DDC, they provide top flight rendering, DDC superfluous. In can see how DDC could better streamer with less than optimal rendering or streamer/dac mismatch with optimal ports. AES/EBU should also be considered a contender, although not much talked about, Antipodes claims this best output in K series streamers, came very close to purchasing. At some point I may get around to trying various JCAT and Pink Faun PCIe cards in my streamer, I2S and AES/EBU both available, along with the more usual usb and network cards.

@j_andrews

A bit of clarification, which streamer you’re currently using and ARES II should have USB input along with SPDIF.

You got two reasonably good sounding DAC’s. I am in a camp where both DAC and Streamer quality matters. I am not going to get into a debate which carries more weight. If you’re deferring your DAC purchase then I would focus on either Pulse or a used Aurender N10. Both of these streamers should offer beautiful pairing (SPDIF output) with SE-I and USB or SPDIF out to Ares II now and with whatever DAC you choose down the road.

The Pulse Mini or N100 would be an intermediate step if you’re considering a DAC upgrade down the road.

+1 on @sns recommendation of Amanero or XMOS usb board in dac.

Thanks all,

Yes the Ares has USB, sorry I was having a lapse of memory.

I am currently using an Ifi Zen Stream w/ LHY linear 12V supply > Curious USB cable > Denafrips Iris DDC > Lifatec glass fiber optic cable > Denafrips Ares ii (or Border Patrol Se-i via coax from the Iris)

To answer your other question , I’d like to keep my Border Patrol and eventually upgrade the Ares ii AFTER getting a better streamer than the Ifi.

Surprised to hear you say that the N100 would be an intermediate step.  I was under the impression that it was essentially Aurenders scaled down streaming only / USB-only option and would be up against the Innuos Pulse.

I also need to really look at the user interfaces for each brand but I hear they are both superb. 

@j_andrews

I’ve heard good things about iFI Zen except the subpar interface and poor customer service. My comments about N100 was in the context of you considering DAC upgrade. The N100 is now 7 plus years old compare to newer, improved Pulse series. As good as is N100, I am reluctant to recommend due to its age and USB only output. I would’ve mentioned Aurender N150 along with Pulse but N150 only has USB out which again limits your options. So if you’re considering spending <$3500, Pulse or N10 despite of his age makes more sense to me.

If you can stretch your budget, consider Aurender N200. It would be a one and done purchase. As far as user interface, both Innuos and Aurender offers superlative Apps. I would give a slight advantage to Aurender Conductor App based on longevity, remote troubleshooting and excellent customer service.