Optical vs Ultra Rendu.


Is it worth the $696 more to go with the optical Rendu:

https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/recommended-solutions/products/systemoptique-server-player-combo-sonictransporter-i5-or-i7-cdr-opticalrendu-4-port-gigabit-switch-with-fiber-port-and-power-supplies

Over the standard (ethernet connected) ultra Rendu:

https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/audio-server/products/premier-server-player-combo-sonictransporter-i5-ultrarendu-7v-linear-power-supply

Has anybody compared these units, is there a notable difference in sound quality between these two?  Both still connect to the DAC via USB. 

high-amp

Thanks @jjss49 I just didn’t have the time to post all the products but still wanted to help.  Very helpful, and thank you!!!

But, if you purchase and Optical Rendu you wouldn’t need these media converters as the Rendu is already optical. Am I reading this right?

yes, think of the optical rendu as a regular rendu streamer with an optical converter already built in 

I had both UltraRendu then upgraded to the opticalRendu, connected to my Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC and didn’t hear a difference.  The opticalRendu continued to have music dropouts and ran really hot, so I returned it just at the end of my 30 day trial window.  No issues with the UltraRendu though.

dbt - very interesting, you are definitely bucking the trend of most who say optical is their preference.