Zach Poff:
I have been pretty lucky with USB Audio: I've been running a stream 24/7 since 2015 with the Locus Sonus streambox image and a Behringer UCA202 (USB with RCA line in/out, no mic preamps) with no stability problems. No config reqiuired.
that's interesting, and sounds like I should give it another try. the raspis route everything internally over USB, so it makes a difference if you use e.g. wifi or lan, or an usb-hub etc. how's your hardware config? udo