Then I Got a Pulse, Now I'm a Believer

Qubuz is still allegedly finishing up the beta of their connect feature.  If this ever gets implemented it might be a better way to interface with your Pulse.  Congrats on your upgrade and enjoy the music.  

This is what AI has to say about a AES connection compared to USB. I bring this up in case you were wondering where to spend your next nickel. a gungnir2 or a yggdrasil might be in your future. 🎶🎸🥁

For an Innuos music server, AES/EBU is generally preferred over USB for audio quality due to its lower susceptibility to packet noise and better signal integrity. While USB is more convenient, AES/EBU is often seen as providing a cleaner and more natural sound, particularly when combined with high-quality DACs. 

Here's a more detailed look:

AES/EBU Advantages: 

• Reduced Noise:

  AES/EBU transmits data without the overhead of USB's data transfer protocols, leading to less noise and a cleaner signal. 

• Improved Signal Integrity:

  AES/EBU has a more dedicated and robust signal path, which can result in a more accurate and less jitter-affected audio signal. 

• Better for High-End DACs:

  Many audiophiles find that AES/EBU connections yield better performance with high-end digital-to-analog converters (DACs). 

USB Advantages: 

• Convenience: USB is widely available and easy to connect. 
• Compatibility: USB is a standard interface supported by many devices. 

Innuos and USB: 

Innuos's USB outputs are designed to be high quality, and some users may not notice a significant difference between USB and AES/EBU in their systems. However, many audiophiles still prefer AES/EBU for its inherent advantages in signal purity. 

In Summary: 

While USB is convenient, AES/EBU often offers a cleaner, more natural sound, especially with high-end DACs. The best choice for an Innuos server depends on your priorities and your system's characteristics, but AES/EBU is a popular and often-preferred option for its potential to improve audio quality. 

FYI @mashif Mike Nesmith had real chops  

@ghdprentice Better IS better!. Goes for recordings too.  

Mal Waldron on now  So happy!!!!

@wsrrsw 

I worked with Mike on a commercial he was producing and played on. Sometime in the late 1980s. Talented guy. 

Congratulations glad you like the sound of your Pulse streamer.  I have the Zen MK3 connected to my Holo Audio Cyan 2 DAC using a USB cable.  It sounds better than my Blusound Node N130.  Hope you enjoy the sound even more with your USB connection.  I liked the BluOs app but find the Sense app is even better running Qobuz with my iPad or iPhone.