LAIV Harmony

@sns Optically isolated USB regenerators are rare beasts so not surprised you’ve not heard of em. Here’s an expensive example from Afterdark, I got a much cheaper AliX equivalent that comes highly rated from that French hifi tweakers forum. Most USB isolators/regenerators deliver a level of isolation, some superb, some not quite so good, but technically at least, as for networks, they can’t quite match the 100% galvanic isolation of optical. As to the sonic effect it has on my Harmony-based system, I’ll keep you posted.

Re I2S vs USB, your vote in favour of the Gaia’s I2S vs your system’s already sorted USB comes through loud and clear. Sounds most excellent.

I’ll keep this forum posted as to where I get to with my own comparisons in my system, which have already included an externally clocked U18 via I2S (incl with the LHY USB regen feeding it) and when I can find its AWOL DC cable, my SU6 as well. Though from experience the former beats the latter (noting the SU6 beats the U18 using its internal oscillator), whilst the externally clocked UIP over USB was comfortably better than the former with both the LaiV and R26. Also hope to try an Audio-Gd DDC with the Harmony, it was very good indeed with my R26, if not quite in the class of a loaned PhoenixUSB I compared it to.

@kereru The OpticalRendu does exactly the same thing as AfterDark alternative you linked to, my opticalrendu takes optical input from my opticalmodule which is initial device converting ethernet  to optical. OpticalRendu is also usb regen/isolator, it feeds dac or in my case Gaia via usb.

In any case, thanks for sending that link, looks like an interesting piece, may be superior to OpticalRendu. There is also new OpticalRendu deluxe just out, that may also be superior to the older version. I like what AfterDark does, purchased my Finisar transceivers for sfp modules in my Sonore equipment, also upgraded optical cable from AfterDark.

I've also found linear power supplies and DC cables  make a difference. Uptone JS2 a choke based power supply feeds OpticalRendu, lesser lps feeds OpticalModule. I make my own DC cables using Mundorf silver/gold wire and Oyaide DC barrels. Optimizing usb going into ddc is important for ultimate ddc i2s output.

We shouldn't hijack this thread too much with network oriented stuff, but the quality of usb feeding one's ddc shouldn't be underestimated or neglected. All of this contributes to ultimate Harmony performance, Harmony potential is really quite high, optimizing one's entire streaming chain will pay off in better sound quality.

I'm really hoping LAIV knocks it out of the park with their new Streamer coming Q1 2025.  Opportunity to realized benefits of i2s as well.

While I realize the following streamer is completely out of reach for vast majority of us, there is info in here that can serve as a general primer for the reasons/need and implementation of various optimizations for the entire streaming chain. https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/reality-quest-review-of-the-taiko-audio-olympus-music-server-part-1-of-2-r1305/

@audiostick 

I agree. I've been bugging Weng Fai at LAiV for some details, and shared my opinion on must-have features. I'm pretty sure I2S will be one of the outputs.