Thanks Rego. Yes, my settings are textbook correct.
Oppo: Bitstream S/PDIF
Shield: (manual) toggle between HDMI and USB; USB always set to HQ stereo
Connections:
- Shield HDMI OUT to Oppo HDMI IN;
- Oppo S/PDIF OUT to DAC S/PDIF IN;
- Shield USB OUT to DAC USB IN;
- Oppo Analog OUT to Preamp IN;
- DAC Analog OUT to Preamp IN (separate input). That's partly why I can do an A/B test instantly on Oppo Analog OUT vs. Oppo S/PDIF+DAC S/PDIF, and it sounds near identical (suggesting Oppo altering signal); but with Oppo S/PDIF+DAC vs. Shield USB+DAC sounds markedly different
Oppo: Bitstream S/PDIF
Shield: (manual) toggle between HDMI and USB; USB always set to HQ stereo
Connections:
- Shield HDMI OUT to Oppo HDMI IN;
- Oppo S/PDIF OUT to DAC S/PDIF IN;
- Shield USB OUT to DAC USB IN;
- Oppo Analog OUT to Preamp IN;
- DAC Analog OUT to Preamp IN (separate input). That's partly why I can do an A/B test instantly on Oppo Analog OUT vs. Oppo S/PDIF+DAC S/PDIF, and it sounds near identical (suggesting Oppo altering signal); but with Oppo S/PDIF+DAC vs. Shield USB+DAC sounds markedly different