Thanks for the response. There is no need to defend your responses on “objective” terms with me at least. 
May I ask how you are connecting JRiver to your DS? I’m assuming USB, but if not, I’m curious how this would work with the bridge? Does your bridge appear as another zone in Jriver or something? And if so, did you have to load any special drivers to make this type of communication possible?
I use Bridge II as my input, unless I spin a disc (then glass toslink).
See my profile for the details. Short version: iMac wi-fi to router; router to TP-Link media converter (MC); MC to MC via fiber optic; MC to passive switch; switch to Pink Faun LAN Isolator; PinkFaun to (plugged into) Bridge II.
Bridge II is clearly better than my DVD-2900 Universal Player as transport via toslink or coax. I have ZERO experience with USB or I2S inputs on the DS Sr. Yes, Bridge II is recognized as a renderer/device by JRMC, JRemote, mconnect, etc.
Scott
how can I order a plate to cover the Bridge II port? I have removed the card because I am using a dedicated Roon server (InnuOs Zen MKIII); Thank you
Just contact PS Audio
Shoot me an email. jamesh@psaudio.com I’ll throw one in the mail for free.
I connect Curious USB and Wireworld Starlight AES cables from my Lumin U1 Mini to DS Sr, so far after some hours of listening to both (A/B switching). May be I need to burn in the new Curious cable, I think I like the sound of AES connection better: blacker background and better instrument separation.
I like the amazon basics cables (both usb and fiber optic).
I find it interesting that everyone thinks USB is inferior except Paul! since Paul just happens to be somewhat of an expert on this subject.
I have a Matrix. I also have a USB based system that is better than the Matrix!
W20SE>AQ Diamond>Sotm/JS-2>AQ diamond>DSS
I thought Paul said I2s is the best way to transfer the digital signal because it keep the data and timing on separate conductors so it does not have to to separate it again at the other end, so less jitter and noise is generated. Anyway, there is no doubt the Matrix added to my Aurender N10 make a considerable sound improvement from usb on the Aurender to I2s to the DSS even though there is a added HDMI cable in the process.
@hpfish-How did the Curious Cable work out for you? Have you stepped up to the Evolve? I just saw you tried aWire World Starlight AES cable and may prefer that to the USB cable from Curious.
Atlas Element USB SC, direct between iMac and Stellar Gain Cell DAC, no noise, plays fantastic even DSD 128 files. No extra boxes no thousands of dollars on cables.
I have not heard the Matrix option I admit, but the above sounds good enough.
I spent more money on the balanced XLR cables to my active speakers, also Atlas Element, and Atlas Element Optical for the old Technics CD player. The whole combination sounds great. It better do when you spent EUR 1800 for the SGCD and EUR 540 for the above mentioned set of cables. I know it may be less then what other spent on just their USB cable, but this works for me.
After burning another 80 hrs, the Curious cable sound much better than the WW Starlight so i returned the Starlight. Now I debate if I need to add the Matrix, but wonder the Lumin U1 Mini might be good enough as far as USB noise concern.
What is the Sotm/JS-2 and its role in the chain?
I have a Wireworld Platinum coming this way. The Curious Cable that’s in place now was clearly a step up from the Belkin Gold USB. I may consider a shoot-out between the Curious Evolve and the Wireworld Platinum USB cables.
Keep us updated on the WW Platinum vs Curious cables comparison.
Since my Lumin U1 Mini has AES/EBU output, I think I will try to get a better AES cable to hook it to DSD to see if it is better than my USB Curious cable connection. I hold out on the MAtrix option sicne I don’t want to add a box and an I2S cable.
How is the Curious cable compared to WW Platinum?
Bear with me system is in transition. I have not been able to do a proper shoot out between the two. I should have my DSD back in the game shortly.
@hpfish:
So I got my DSD set-up and broken in. Removed the WW PS7 from the Metrum Onyx and installed in the DSDsr the WW PS7 USB cable. The WW PS7 was purchased used so it is basically broken in. I’ve put another 200+ hours on it. No direct comparison with the Curious Cable, but from what I am hearing there is no need to rush changing USB cables. I like what I’m hearing, great detail with no harshness and a magnificent soundstage. I’ll need to give it al little time for a proper evaluation, but initial impression is:
(way up) 
Paul, to connect the Direct Stream DAC to my Sony scd-xa5400 cd/sacd player there are 2 digital out options: coax or optical. Given those options, which is the preferred connection?
Wireworld SuperNova 7 Toslink Optical Audio Cables are glass, not plastic. Would this be an important factor, or tip the balance towards choosing the optical connection?
Only need .5 meter cable as units will be stacked (does it matter which is on top, CD/SACD player or Direct Stream DAC?).