Optical vs Ultra Rendu.

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

@high-amp I had to consult multiple resources before I figured out how to install optical. It sounds like you're still learning, so I recommend reading that article I linked to earlier in this thread for another take on the topic of getting started with optical. 

I forget what you said you use as your current streamer, but you might be interested in trying optical with your current system before committing to the OpticalRendu. And yes, the opticalrendu will eliminate the need for the second converter. 

I've been streaming with optical now for about a month (with a non-optical compatible streamer, so I have to convert to optical and back again). Although I felt the difference was big when I first installed it, I'll switch back to sanity check myself at some point and be able to articulate just how big the difference is. 

classdstreamer - Yes, just learning. I am currently rebuilding my system. Have speakers and amp but no streamer at this point. 

Originally had a Macbook Air to DAC via USB then a Roon Nucleus to DAC via USB. I am debating between the two SGC unites mentioned in my initial post and trying to get a feel from others on their related experiences.

I'm sorry, I must have missed your link, I'll go back and check it out, thank you.

classdstreamer - OK, I read the PS Audio article. Still not sure which way to go. I'll keep researching, thx.

I have my Server Pink faun 2.16X hookup to the router by fiber since a few time by a multimode fibre and convertors in witch end. But now I made an upgrade using a singlemode fibre hookup directly to the server via a NIC (network interface card) with modules SFP+ for 10G power supplied by an inside server carrier of LPS. On the other end i hookup the router and the converter power supplied  by a farad LPS (with super capacitors) and between the router and the converter a Cooper RJ45 cat.6 (Shielded twisted pair cable (STP) ) of 15cm to does't infected easily by EMI and RFI. What I can say is that I can't be able to distinguish the music files from the streaming, the SQ of the streaming is amazing. Next think to do is swap the router with one with a 10G out of internet, that it seems came to the market for the next year, and with it all the network path will be isolated from noise. About the jitter on fibre I don't worry about it because the server has a Pink Faun ultra OXCO that eliminate the jitter that can exist.

Previously  had Switchs, like EtherRegen with a external clock, a filter ENO and even the SOTM snh-10G W/CLK for a month. They offer a sound clean but artificial. I came on the conclusion that nothing better than to treat the problem on the origen and the sound it will be cleaner and natural.