USB decrapification vs USB-to-coax/optical?

I'm just curious what approach people prefer to get the most out of USB audio: "cleaning" solutions like Wyrd, or USB-to-SPDIF? Is one approach inherently better than the other, is there a situation (besides a DAC with limited input types) where you would prefer one to the other, or should these things be judged on more of a product-to-product basis?

Thanks for your thoughts on this and merry christmas, superBAFs.

 

I think it depends on the DAC/decraptifier/converter.
In my Geek Pulse Sfi, which has a good-implementation USB input and mediocre SPDIF input, USB decraptification like Uptone Regen works better than the SPDIF converter at the same price range like Gustard U12 or M2Tech hiFace2.
But my experience with my friend's Audiogd DAC, which use the crappy VIA USB input, tells me that the M2Tech hiFace2 fits better.

 

So it has more to do with the DAC's input implementation strengths?

 

Yes, and it is on USB decraptifier itself. All of the USB decraptifiers under 150 USD I have tried (Jitterbug, Wyrd, iPurifier 1) are crap. I like Schiit in general, but I must say the Wyrd is a failure. It cleans noise, yes, I heard a blacker soundstage with Wyrd but it also squashes a soundstage. Spending 100 USD only to make a trade-off is not a good way. The Jitterbug is even worse, it changes the tonal toward mid bass and make the treble dull. At the price range of 150 USD, SPDIF converter is better.
I think the sweet spot of USB decraptifier is about 175-250 USD. Two of good decraptifier I have heard (Uptone Regen and Intona USB Isolator) are at that price range and can compete well with SPDIF converter up to 400 USD. I don't have any experience with super expensive SIDIF converters like Berkeley, OR5 so I can't comment more.

 

For those DAC with self-power USB receivers, would this Corning optical USB cable any good?http://www.corning.com/opcomm/OpticalCablesbyCorning/products/USB-3.Optical.aspx

I also like its idea of being thin and light weight, which put less stress on my notebook's ISB port.