How are most audiophiles going from streamers to DACS

I2S or AES/EBU. Metrum Acoustics Ambre streamer to Pavane DAC

I had that exact set-up with Pavane and then later with their Adagio. I agree that with those pieces either I2S or AES/EBU sounded best. However, for my tastes, my Mojo server and DAC connected by a short USB cable is sonically equal in every way and better in some ways. I doubt the differences are solely related to the connection method but rather the digital processing implementation, power supply, and other factors. The server uses JCAT’s highly regarded XE USB card and the DAC is also optimized for USB so, at least with this gear, USB sounds very good. This is why IMO there is no one universally superior connection format but rather it depends on how the partnering equipment is designed.

3.5 foot Townshend digital SPDIF coax to Classe SSP-800 DAC.

My Node 2i has the upgraded PD Creative PSU interface and uses an SBooster LPS too.

I’ve got a Node 2 streamer hooked up to my MHDT Orchid tube DAC. As has been said, USB isn’t an option with the Node 2 and Toslink should be avoided. That leaves digital coax. I have RCA to balanced XLR. All of my interconnects are very affordable (direct sale only) entry level Silnote Audio out of Roanoke, VA. Top quality starting at $100. I’m very happy with their product and they have great customer service.

to KGBspy:

Actually the optical/toslink issue, unlike many sonic preference sin audio, is not a matter of opinion. It does not support high res; and the optical/electrical component plus the pulse spreading generates lots of potential jitter.  It is designed specifically for high electrical interference environments, and, according to lore, because Toshiba needed a differentiator.

Its great if you have lots of EMI floating around (TV sets for example).  It is definitively the wort otherwise For most it will sound fine I use it from my TV and love the results for involved movies of the symphony.

I connect a Cambridge CXNv2 streamer to a Benchmark DAC 3b via RCA digital coax.  I've tried about ten different digital cables and they all sound quite different from each other.  Buying one "quality" cable and being satisfied only works in a system that can't resolve the differences.    Experimentation with different brands will reveal the best for you.