USB:
If you are planning to use USB, you will have some hoops to jump through. The easiest course to excellent SQ is to get an Antipodes or Aurender N10 server and add the following reclocker in-line with the USB cable (you need 2 cables):
https://sotm-usa.com/collections/sotm-ultra/products/copy-of-tx-usbultra-regenerator-1
If you want to do it on the cheap, you can get a Mac Mini and add Amarra or Audirvana software. You still need the device above and two good quality USB cables, such as WireWorld Platinum or Audioquest Diamond.
If your DAC does not have USB interface on it, you can add a USB converter such as the Berkeley Alpha USB:
http://www.berkeleyaudiodesign.com/alpha-usb/
or SOtM dX-USB HD:
https://www.sotm-audio.com/sotmwp/english/portfolio-item/dx-usb-hd/
I much prefer using Ethernet to USB now, although some streaming services like HDtracks and Amazon Prime music only work with USB, so I have both.
Ethernet:
Ethernet requires a renderer. This can be inside the DAC like a USB interface or it can be an external device like this:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=156409.0
Playback requires a server software and a playlist software on a computer, such as a Mac Mini, MacBook Pro or a good PC. I use freeware combination of Linn Kinsky/Minimserver/BubbleUPnP. Ethernet still requires some good hardware for excellent SQ, including:
1) AQVOX switch or similar from SOtM with a good power supply
2) Good Ethernet cables such as WireWorld Platinum
3) Ethernet isolator - I use EMO EN-70e
Fewer hoops to jump through with Ethernet and you can stream from several services using Twonky, Linn Kazoo, Lumin and other player software. I don’t use Roon because I find the SQ of Linn Kinsky/Minimserver to be superior.
My personal reference is Mac Mini using Ethernet to a modified Router to my Overdrive SX DAC with Ethernet interface.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio
