Innuos Pulse Incoming


Im pulling the trigger on an Innous Pulse, upgrade from Bluesound Node 2i (my first and only streamer) which is currently connected to my amp via COAX.  Would like feedback on what is the best way to connect the Pulse to a McIntosh MA8950-  Coax, S/PDIF, USB?  Also, what ethernet cable do you all suggest, what CAT?

Thanks

128x128john1629

I have a slightly different setup (Innuos Pulsar, McIntosh C55) and I’ve been very pleased with the USB connection.  
I’m using an Audioquest Vodka Ethernet cable. Galen Carol has a couple of used ones on his web site at gcaudio.com. 

The 8950 DAC is a really good sounding DAC.   I would try it via Coax and USB and see which you prefer.  With USB the McIntosh DAC uses it's clock , with Coax the Mac uses the source clock.    No right or wrong way,  may or may not be a difference.     Enjoy 

Hello @john1629 ,  Yes, different DAC / Streamer combos work better with coax vs USB.  As correctly @oddiofyl said, the USB is not affected by the streamer clock, so it will use the DAC clock (or outboard clock).  AES or Coax uses the streamer clock, and may be limited on DSD files.  Try both.  But here is the thing; a good Coax cable may beat an average USB cable and visa versa, independent of which TYPE of cable is really better suited.  I have personally experienced this.   Congrats on the Innuos.it's a nice upgrade!

Hopefully now this adds another voice to the argument of why one would want to upgrade from blue sound. 
she is a beautiful machine and loves having fancy dangling things coming off her back end.

I am currently using synergistic research foundation, SX power cable, Audio quest, carbon AES, DJ labs ethernet cable. 

was gonna say hopefully you’re going to enjoy, but that is not necessary.

Thanks for all responses so far.   Can anyone explain what a S/PDIF is, was told it was digital coax.   I have a Coax cable now that attaches Bluesound to Mac, but it soesnt say anything about S/PDIF in it.