Ok, just tried this morning again with switching the Monarchy Combo unit in and out many times.
I am hearing a clearer sound including the vocal and there is a bit more bite or snap to the instruments. Perhaps it is a keeper. The 96 is better than the 44.1.
Cerrot, did you find using the Balanced digital out to be an advantage ?
Since all my other equipment is balanced, to me the Monarchy sounds a little better using the balanced digital out.