Nice writeup @audiofun
You have certainly earned your wings! Your next step though is actually to understand what is happening in streamers today because I, like you, was very committed to a similar path but your weak link is likely the USB interface. You may not think so and I didn't either but I did extensive a/b testing in my setup and in my two main systems I now stream over ethernet. I presently have both a Roon Nucleus + and an Innuos Zenith Mkiii. Via USB, the Innuos was far superior to the Nucleus +. I tried a bazillion USB cables and settled on the Final Touch Audio Callisto, which is an exceptional cable. I now, however, stream over ethernet to a Boulder 866 in one system and an AQUA Linq in another. A/B testing between the I2S and the USB inputs of my dac the I2S feed from the Linq is amazing. The results have been eye opening versus USB streaming. YMMV. Best wishes and thanks again for taking the time to write up your experiences.
You have certainly earned your wings! Your next step though is actually to understand what is happening in streamers today because I, like you, was very committed to a similar path but your weak link is likely the USB interface. You may not think so and I didn't either but I did extensive a/b testing in my setup and in my two main systems I now stream over ethernet. I presently have both a Roon Nucleus + and an Innuos Zenith Mkiii. Via USB, the Innuos was far superior to the Nucleus +. I tried a bazillion USB cables and settled on the Final Touch Audio Callisto, which is an exceptional cable. I now, however, stream over ethernet to a Boulder 866 in one system and an AQUA Linq in another. A/B testing between the I2S and the USB inputs of my dac the I2S feed from the Linq is amazing. The results have been eye opening versus USB streaming. YMMV. Best wishes and thanks again for taking the time to write up your experiences.