Hi Folks -
I know there have been a lot of threads talking about various streamer options, and I've gotten a lot of useful information from them. I didn't want to derail those threads with my own questions, so I thought I'd start with my own post.
I am considering a change to my streamer configuration and would like some opinions/recommendations.
I bought a Denafrips Terminator which arrived a couple of weeks ago and have noticed it has occasional glitches when I feed it upsampled or hi-res content over AES/EBU from my Bryston BDP-2 streamer (with upgraded audio card). I think this is because the DAC uses a FIFO buffer and reclocks the data internally. Since the streamer clock and DAC clock are not locked, eventually the DAC's internal FIFO will run out of data or overflow causing a hiccup. It doesn't happen often (maybe once or twice a day that I've noticed), but I'm thinking that switching to a USB-capable streamer may make sense.
I'm running Roon on a NUC (ROCK) in a fanless case (standard SMPS), feeding the Bryston over ethernet. I'd like to explore options that would be at least comparable in audio quality (ideally a step up) with minimal investment. I could justify up to $2500 since I'd be able to sell my Bryston for $800 or so to cover some of the expense, but I'd prefer a less expensive solution.
Options I'm considering:
Get a good LPS for the NUC and a decent USB cable and connect directly to the DAC. If I go this route - recommendations for LPS and cable? Would a $150 ebay LPS and AQ Coffee USB cable be reasonable? Or are these cheap supplies (
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Finished-100VA-Ultra-Low-Noise-linear-Power-supply-ouptut-9v-12v-19v-24v-etc/221884083511 ) not worth it.
Add a SOTM tx-USBultra with SPS-500 LPS to the above option (+ $1600 new, maybe $1000 used). Plus a second USB cable.
Add a SOTM SMS-200 Ultra to the above (another $1200 new), or without the tx-USBultra.
I've seen these three SOTM devices together for sale used for around $1800.
Other streamers such as Lumin U1 Mini, Innuos Zenith. (maybe under $2K used, plus I'd still need a good USB cable).
I'd appreciate your thoughts on the above plus other recommendations. If you can give me an idea of cost, that would be most helpful.
