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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
mitch2
3,962 posts
 

I agree with @v-fi about USB converters such as this one from Sonore, and don’t forget about DDC choices like the one from Singxer I linked in my earlier post, or several offered by Denafrips, or even the Holo Audio Red, which is both a capable DDC and a network streamer.

bunkertoy's avatar
bunkertoy OP
40 posts
 

@mitch2 @v-fi , I didn't find a few of USB converters for sale. Bryston BUC and 2 Bel Canto converters, ULink & RefLink

Just put it on hold for now. I'll ask about this with the tech from Antipodes tonight.

mitch2
3,962 posts
 

@bunkertoy - I am not familiar with the converters you listed.  I gave you three recommendations:

  1. Sonore ultraDigital, converter only, $499
  2. Singxer SU-6, DDC and converter, $748 (from Kitsune Hi-Fi)
  3. HoloAudio Red, converter, DDC, and streamer, $798

Good Luck

v-fi
66 posts
 

I think the Singxer is probably the best one mentioned, with the Holo being very close behind. The Bryston and Bel Canto stuff is just mediocre, not great imho. 

eddnog
53 posts
 

In my chain, I use USB from the source to feed a Gustard U18 DDC, which then feeds my DAC (Musician Draco) via I2S. The results have been phenomenal, definitely an improvement over going directly to the DAC via USB, and also better than going straight to the DAC from my source via coax S/PDIF.

I highly recommend the DDC as well.

-Ed

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