AIR vs CD player

[Axel]

It is a very valid question. If I put aside convenience, my transport is still neck-and-neck with any streaming I tried.
For now, the best streaming set-up has been HQPlayer to NAA (Hummingboard) with high quality ethernet and USB cables. Better than AIR3.04. Now, my MSB transport through AES/EBU input is still a touch better, even when playing an actual disc (it can also stream DLNA, but it's a pain).
Now, I suspect, that the difference might come from the Devialet's USB vs. AES/EBU input implementation. Devialet still says that the best input is AES/EBU. Next thing I need to try is a USB-AES/EBU converter, like the Mutec which many people use here.

Yes, you are correct, the AES/EBU is a better sounding input than the USB. I use a Mutec MC3+USB in between my NAS drive and the Devialet. It is probably the best £800 I've ever spent on Hi-Fi! Unlike when I bought my Mutec, I think they are now being stocked by Audio retailers, so it shouldn't be too hard to arrange an audition. I had to buy "blind" but reviews on here and elsewhere boosted my confidence.

I can see that you are using JRiver. That is what I used for several years until about a couple of weeks ago. Then I tried HQPllayer, which is hands down better sounding streaming software even without NAA. You can download the trial version free for two weeks. The user interface is not very advanced to say the least but you can apparently use it as a plug-in with Roon to get a winning combination.
So, is the Mutec still beats the USB input, even on the Pro? I haven't upgraded my D800 yet.

Thank you for recommending HQPlayer.  I only started using JRiver, because it will run on my NAS drive.  I'd like to try software such as HQPlayer, Roon and the like, but I don't want a computer in my replay chain. I will wait to see what the streamer board brings to the party. If it's not Roon compatible, I might buy a micro Rendu or SMS-200, or whatever else may be available then.
To my ears, in my system, the Mutec into the D's AES/EBU sounds better than the NAS drive straight into the D via USB.