[squidbrand]

I'm currently messing with the idea of picking up a streamer in the sub-$500 category (Yamaha WXC-50 or maybe something second-hand) and connecting it to one of the MiniDSP units with DIRAC. Looks like I have two options for this: I can go analog out of the Yamaha's DAC (ESS Sabre 9006S) into the ADC stage of the MiniDSP, or I can go optical out of the Yamaha straight into the DSP chip.

I will definitely try both setups if I end up with this hardware, but just for the sake of being pedantic... is one of these considered better? I can see two versions of this, one where the added conversion steps of going analog out of the Yamaha costs me resolution, but another where the reclocking that's taking place in the DSP is less transparent than using the ADC.

[Mike-48]

In general, I prefer avoiding any DAC and ADC steps that can be avoided. At a certain level of engineering, they should be inaudible, but why do it if not necessary? Not all devices will be transparent. So . . . I would start with the digital connection.

You may know this already, the miniDSP SHD series has miniDSP's latest technology, a built-in streamer, and Dirac Live. It's the miniDSP device I'd choose if a maximum of two channels in, four channels out is sufficient (two mains, two subs). Or do you have the miniDSP device already?

[ooheadsoo]

Given the choice, I would run digital into the minidsp.  That said, I'm currently running Schiit Audio Modi USB dac analog into a minidsp 2x4hd and it sounds fantastic.