Frank, since the AVA Digital Preamp contributes to the sound of one's system by virtue of its DA conversion as well as its overall preamp performance, I'd like to ask a question...which may be a little too specific...but hopefully you can provide some guidance.
I'm currently running an oppo 205 with its (ES9038Pro DAC chip) using its analog output into a David Belles 22a (2- 12au7 tube) hybrid preamp
https://www.mackenziehifi.com/belles-22a-hybrid-pre-amplifier-4631-p.asp .
With the AVA Digital Preamp, I think I'd be running the Oppo 205 digital output into the AVA preamp thereby bypassing the Oppo DAC chip.
I know that testers and reviewers love how the Oppo measures with very low SINAID, etc. but are mixed on how it sounds (Personally I've never found it to be overly bright or detailed).
So my question is how the Oppo/AVA digital preamp sound might compare to the Oppo Belles 22a preamp sound.
Again, I realize this might not be an easy question to answer but I hope you can take a stab at it.