SQ Comparison of 3 streamers

@retiredaudioguy  I used I2s primarily for both DACs I owned.  They are Harmony micro DAC and Topping D90 III Discrete.  I own Rivo+ for a longer time so I get to experiment with all ports except AES/EBU. (Rivo+ does not have optical out).  For T8 which I have returned after 30 days, I only get to try I2s and USB (for only short while). 

You probably know but allow me to repeat here once again that which port sounds better is not only dependent on streamer but also downstream DAC because USB is asynchronous vs synchronous for the rest of ports incl. I2s.  So, bet. USB and I2s, which port sounds better also depends on the clock and isolation quality of that particular port.  Some dac, such as my Laiv micro DAC, has provided users an option to choose between I2s clock and local clock inside the dac.  Then also some DACs, usually high-end ones, reclock the signal timing no matter which port signal is coming through (such as Berkeley Alpha I heard).

I don't recall I heard much difference between them but, on Rivo+, I think I2s sounds better to micro dac than usb slightly with better imaging.  BUT NO TONAL SHIFT.  

@lanx0003 

@hjdca  I am glad you enjoy Rivo+ as I do.  After upgrading the xlr IC and I2s cables (Veritas Magnus and Optimus), the sound was even taken to the next level and becoming more smooth and liquid (on a good recording).

Are you using a regular USB adapter for microSD? I think it’s a good idea because it will eliminate the cable. However, I would think the “quality” of the adapter also matters—correct me if I’m wrong. I use an SSD, and I’ve found the cable for the SSD also affects sound quality noticeably.

I am using USB between the Rivo+ and my DAC.  My DAC does not support I2s and I have DSD files (.dsf) to feed from Rivo+ to the DAC. 

Regarding MicroSD card, I talked to Volumio support for the Rivo+ and they told me the most direct and cleanest way to play files from the Rivo+ was to insert a MicroSD card in the slot in the back of the Rivo+.  Note: There is a special MicroSD dedicated slot in the back of the Rivo+.  It provides the straightest path, fastest performance, least amount of power required, and the best sonics --- ie. vs. USB stick or external SSD.  I bought a higher end 1TB MicroSD card and I put all my music files on it, and just plugged into the back of the Rivo+.  The Volumio interface accesses it through the "library" menu and performance is excellent - lightening fast UI and queuing.  Sonics are excellent. 

@hjdca  I did not notice that.  Thank you so much for letting me know.  My collection on SSD is over 1TB so I probably need 1.5 or 2 TB card for read/write speeds at lease 150m/s and 30m/s, which is kinda pricy.  What brand you have?

@lanx0003 

@hjdca  I did not notice that.  Thank you so much for letting me know.  My collection on SSD is over 1TB so I probably need 1.5 or 2 TB card for read/write speeds at lease 150m/s and 30m/s, which is kinda pricy.  What brand you have?

I have the SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 1 TB Class 10, V30, U3, 200 MB/s Transfer.  It is approx. $200.  I think it might be overkill, and getting this type of performance and quality in a 2TB card will be cost prohibitive.   The performance is instantaneous, so, you may be able to get a reduced performance 2TB card and not notice.  For a 1.5TB or 2TB MicroSD, I would look at the SanDisk Ultra instead of the Extreme PRO.  I think speed is about the same, but, they are just probably not as sturdy.  You will not be taking it in and out of the slot that much anyway. 

Note:  The investment in a MicroSD card is worth it.  I found the performance night and day better than a USB stick. So, I think it will be worth it -- even when getting a lower performing MicroSD card. 

I believe you, @hjdca. This eliminates both the cable and the adapter and should be as good as it gets from streaming if not better.