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

Hello thanks for the info 

I spent $1500 on the New Reference  Excellent Final Touch Audio USB  cable for my dac, ,which is a Huge step up from the AQ Diamond ,WWorld platinum 8 , purist 30 anniversary and several others 2x as much ,their $900 Callisto-usb I still have and  has many great reviews ,I spend also  $800 on their Ethernet cable which is exceptional ,I never thought Digital cables can bring my system this close to Analog sounding without loosing detail.                                                                             these Sonore optical cables are $1200 each x2 is Thst correct?  plus you need a how many Ethernet cables 3 ?

from modem  to router, then from router to the Sonore Ethernet to fiber optic converter, then another Sonore on the other end ,since I am 10 meters away 

we are talking $2500 just for 2-Sonore Sonore Ethernet to fiber converters ,

plus at minimum IFIAudio wall warts for AC power, if linear then another $1k for 2 $$$ , 7nless I am missing something somewhere , Thanks for the assistance 👍

 

@high-amp Sorry...VBA is a generic term for any dedicated computer running Linux with Vortexbox server software. Before the Sonic Orbiter and Sonic Transporter products, Small Green Computer sold Vortexbox appliances, pretty cheaply, I might add. My first music server, in 2011, was a SGC VBA, for under a grand. My satisfaction with this server and with SGC were important factors in my decision to upgrade to the Sonic Transporter i5. The support from SGC is excellent.

Streaming was a mystery for me for years.  Called Andrew Gillis from SGC one day and got the full I5 bundle with optical rendu and I had the equipment in 2 days.  He set me up remotely and that 2nd night I was streaming Tidal Masters through Roon.  Never looked back.