Michael, I have used both the 2.0 and 3.0 USB outputs of the Silenzio. There is no difference in SQ that I can hear.

When I had the D100 as a DAC, it did not like the USB 3.0 output but generally worked fine in the USB 2.0. (Maybe the ASIO drivers?) With the K03 or K03x, they work fine with either output so I use the USB 3.0.

Maybe Emile will add further color and tech to this.

Ivan is using his BUC-1 to XLR as the MCD1100 hasn't had the mod done to it, and I strongly recommend against using class 1 USB.

Silenzio in its present iteration has 2 front/side USB2.0, 2 rear USB 2.0, and 4 rear USB 3.0 ports. Any/all can be used. For the majority of DACs I still prefer the 2.0 port(s) - they just tend to be more robust for audio. Some DACs use older receiver chips which, while "compatible" with USB3.0, will sometimes get angry and pitch a fit.

Very happy with the 2.0 outputs on the Silenzio. The 3.0's work as well, but I stick with what Dr. E suggests.

Thank you! Since I have the D100 this is very very helpful. I appreciate the input! (No pun intended. :D )

Which USB is which? I just plugged my benchmark in and quite honestly not sure which one. Emile - are the usbs on my unit different?
Thx!

In general... Black is 2.0 and blue is 3.0. based on your dac you should have no issue with either. Both sound the exact same.

Servers sound like a great idea, but I'm leery about the time it would take to put all my music on a computer so I could use the server versus just playing the CDs.

You are looking at it the wrong way, Gary.

You easily recoup the time by putting the spinning things into cold storage and never having to touch them again.

Add in downloading new content and/or streaming capability and it is a no brainer.

Gary,

It may seem daunting at first but the time saved in the future pays off the upfront time to rip.

You could also talk to Emile about an Archivio that can rip 6 CDs in 10 minutes or less. Now THAT is a productivity gain! Imagine ripping 100 CDs in an hour.

Craig