USB and Coaxial at the same time?

Well to be clear, I highly prefer USB. But I was wondering if on some of the older Rock recordings if switching to coaxial may smooth it out a bit. I just wanted to try it and see what happens.

It might smooth it out. 

When comparing USB and coaxial audio connections for music, USB generally offers more flexibility and potential for higher quality sound due to its ability to handle higher bitrates and asynchronous data transfer, while coaxial may be preferred by some audiophiles for its perceived simplicity and lower jitter, depending on the quality of the implementation in both devices; ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific setup and personal preference. 

...the humble opinion of a Google AI when posted the query....

...at the risk of throwing some lighter fluid on the analog v. digital fray....

Whereas, in adding HDMI to the caldron:

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Optical and HDMI cables are both used to transmit digital audio from one device to another. HDMI cables can also transmit video signals. The main difference between the two is the number of audio formats they support. 

Audio formats 

• Optical: Supports 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS audio
• HDMI: Supports 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS audio, plus Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X

Video signals 

• Optical: Transmits audio only
• HDMI: Transmits both audio and video

Compatibility

• HDMI: Modern versions of HDMI, like 2.0 and 2.1, are compatible with modern technologies 
• Optical: Optical cables are a good choice for older devices 

Reliability 

• Optical: Optical cables are known for being reliable and resistant to interference

Ease of use 

• HDMI: HDMI can be a good choice if you want to use a single cable between two devices

Surround sound 

• HDMI ARC: HDMI ARC can support 5.1 surround sound channels with enhanced sound quality

• HDMI vs Optical - Klipsch Support

  Both HDMI and optical pass digital audio from one device to another. Both are better than analog (the red and white cables). Both ... 

'Generative AI is experimental' 

(...my hashmarks' )

....considering implementing all 3 since I can, just to see if my 20th century trash can deal with being dragged into the 21st.....

... I can hear their tinny little voices already.....

"...no....No...NO....NOOOOOO....We're not worthy!!!!"

*Shuddup,,,*

Best I divine of all that is to pick your IC in mind of what it does where in your rig.

Digital v. analog v. vid v. ?....Tube sound 'midst the digital ?  There's a pro studio outboard that...in fact, lots of them....just like the stage pedal versions....

That's a bit snide, but it comes down to how one implements what's in hand that 'requires a tweak' to accomplish what's desired in the end product...

I'm in it for the music and the *G*rins....;)

Good variable factors, J

My Auralic G2.1 streamer requires setup changes to swap from USB to Coax making it about a minute long process to switch and not so easy to A/B.

unless you have the same cable it also makes it really hard to compare which is better. But you can see which in your setup you prefer with what you have.

that all being said, I do have both cables plugged in simultaneously and I hope that there is no downside to that.