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Great network streamers with only USB outputs

I'm looking to upgrade my streaming from a Logitech Transporter to something a bit more hi-end.

Problem is most of my choices have USB outputs only. My DAC Bel Canto 3.7 (recently upgraded by Ace Tomato) Doesn't support USB. All of a sudden it seems like manufacturers are putting usb outs only. I'm looking at Sonore Rendu & Innuos products mainly because I will be able to keep the Squeezebox ecosystem with these products, and they both appear to be of good quality. Some of the Innuos products do provide Spdif out, but they have internal DACs, which I'm not interested in.

Now I'm longing for a DAC that supports USB. maybe the Bel Canto 2.7 which I'm not sure if it will be better than my Bel Canto 3.7 with upgraded power supply etc.

Do USB converters degrade the audio signal ? Do I have to search  out and expensive USB to SPDIF converter ?

I wonder what others are doing with older type DACs that they love ?

The Sonore Rendu setup looks real hi-end. Seems they have really taken the time to clean up the digital audio signal. I would really like to go that route. Their USB to SPDIF converter costs $500usd.

Please don't bother recommending other streamers which take me out of the Squeezebox LMS ecosystem.

Maybe tell me about your work around for USB out only devices. Perhaps someone can give me a comparisons on the Bel Canto 3.7 to the Bel Canto 2.7. I love Bel canto and might just change DACs. As the 2.7 is more future proof.

Thanks for any input you may be able to provide.

128x128bunkertoy
bunkertoy's avatar
bunkertoy OP
44 posts
 

@tvad Always had the Holo Red in my mind. decent price, great reviews.

@ivickery I looked into the Bel Canto OS (Seek) didn't interest me.

I'm looking into using a Bryston BUC-1 - USB-Spdif/AES/BNC converter.

Not ideal, but probably won't gegrade signal much.

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soix
9,456 posts
 

I like your DAC especially if you have the VBS power supply. The likely potential for a sonic upgrade and their excellent Sense app would point me toward Innuos. Either a used Zen Mk3 or a Pulse Mini with something like a Teddy Pardo LPS paired with a Denafrips Iris DDC would be the way I’d go. Either combo would cost around $2500, and the Iris may add further benefits in terms of additional noise reduction. Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck.

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bunkertoy's avatar
bunkertoy OP
44 posts
 

Update:

I've purchased a Antipodes DS-3 recently upgraded by the company in 2020 with 4TB SSD drives among other things. This unit does have a Spdif output, despite the company suggesting to use USB.

I paid $550usd + S booster linear power supply $185usd

The seller told me it sounds great using LMS, better than Roon end point.

Antipodes has a very robust support team. They will walk you through everything as you navigate the system.

This company has a great reputation, I'm extremely happy to have got this for a decent price.

I wasn't even looking for storage space, let alone 4TB worth.

I'll follow up with sound. I'm receiving it tomorrow.

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