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.