USB yet again

“Hopefully the industry comes up with a better solution.”

@antigrunge2

It is very unlikely to see a groundbreaking advancement in the areas of USB, AES/SPDIF implementation. These protocols, IMHO have matured and may’ even reached their maximum potential. As you have mentioned, the industry is fast moving and trending towards Ethernet based DAC’s with embedded streaming client (renderer). There are some very high quality offerings from Grimm Audio, Merging Technologies, Weiss Engineering, DCS, and Bricasti. The current trend is, simple one box DAC/streamer/Pre solution. Just optimize the Ethernet path by adding a high quality Ethernet switch/LAN cables and you’re in business. The performance of these one box DAC/streamer is getting awfully close to a separate DAC and Streamer setup.

I recognize, there is always going to be those who wants the separates for flexibility and the last word in SQ :-)

As far as I’m concerned, my days of fiddling/optimizing the USB or AES/EBU supported audio devices are ancient history. 

@uncledemp 

Enjoyed reading your post. Our systems are true reflections of how that painting should look (replicated) in our environment. I think for many of us, it’s the pursuit of perfection more gratifying and fun than the actual result 😊

@vthokie83

I am not disputing what you’re hearing from the inclusion of DDC in your setup. But I believe the effectiveness or need for a device like DDC is largely depends on quality of your source and downstream components. If you use high quality components then a device like DDC is redundant. For example, It would be interesting to compare Node + Iris with Aurender N100 or N150 feeding your Pontus DAC.

@vthokie83

Thanks for your kind words. As others have reported, N200 with May or Terminator + DAC would be a formidable pairing and substantial jump in SQ over your existing setup. You’re wise man, I wouldn’t recommend N10 audition either unless you’re prepare to write a check. N10 is a remarkable player and if I may say so, a steal on used market. It has a very effortless, relaxed and detail presentation whereas N200 leaned towards more energy, livelier and detailed presentation.
Good luck in your journey and happy new year!

@j_andrews

A bit of clarification, which streamer you’re currently using and ARES II should have USB input along with SPDIF.

You got two reasonably good sounding DAC’s. I am in a camp where both DAC and Streamer quality matters. I am not going to get into a debate which carries more weight. If you’re deferring your DAC purchase then I would focus on either Pulse or a used Aurender N10. Both of these streamers should offer beautiful pairing (SPDIF output) with SE-I and USB or SPDIF out to Ares II now and with whatever DAC you choose down the road.

The Pulse Mini or N100 would be an intermediate step if you’re considering a DAC upgrade down the road.

+1 on @sns recommendation of Amanero or XMOS usb board in dac.

@j_andrews 

RE: Iris, let your ears guide you if it yields improvements after Pulse or N150. BTW, Pulse has USB, coaxial, optical and AES/EBU outputs. 

@j_andrews

I’ve heard good things about iFI Zen except the subpar interface and poor customer service. My comments about N100 was in the context of you considering DAC upgrade. The N100 is now 7 plus years old compare to newer, improved Pulse series. As good as is N100, I am reluctant to recommend due to its age and USB only output. I would’ve mentioned Aurender N150 along with Pulse but N150 only has USB out which again limits your options. So if you’re considering spending <$3500, Pulse or N10 despite of his age makes more sense to me.

If you can stretch your budget, consider Aurender N200. It would be a one and done purchase. As far as user interface, both Innuos and Aurender offers superlative Apps. I would give a slight advantage to Aurender Conductor App based on longevity, remote troubleshooting and excellent customer service.

@hickamore 

Holo May KTE and Denafrips Terminator II are the two comes to mind at top of 5K range. Now I have not done head to head comparison with aforementioned DAC’s but did audition Konus Audio Digitale 2000 in a very high end system. Gorgeous analog sound with lots of detail. We listened to multiple genres and nothing sounded out of place or forced. The fact, Digitale 2000  - $3900 held its own in a system just shy of $100K, it was quite remarkable. My only knock, it does not do DSD or anything above 24bit/192kHz. 

Among the used bargains under $5K, take a look at SW1X Dac III, AQUA La Scala and Bricasti M3 DAC. They are currently listed at other site.