Toslink

- without prejudice to any of the limitations or warts associated with Toslink , @kingbr has highlighted above, a glass fibre Toslink cable is a clear step-up performing choice.

- if you are still committed or married to using Toslink cables , then think quality build and superior performance opticsl glass fibre options vs cheap build budget plastic choices. The optical glass fibre audio performance uptick is not subtle.

- So think WIREWORLD SuperNova 7 Toslink Optical Audio Cables as the popular best of breed choice (… I agree …) ; with DH LABS and LIFATEC as other quality build choices . I’ve used them all over time, in my “ B” 2.1 audio system, currently upgraded to the WIREWORLD for my TV audio output to the DAC.

note: it’s all HDMI for TV sources ( cable box, BluRay player, Apple TV) to the SONY TV panel, then WIREWORLD Toslink opticsl glass cable out for audio only to an ARCAM DAC, and quality build RCA interconnects from the DAC to to my 2-channel ARCAM integrated amp)

I would strongly recommend upgrading to either a SPDIF/ RCA, or BNC, or USB cable link options over any Toslink for a pure audio system whenever possible. ( I use a CARDAS CLEAR here in my “A” system)

FWIW

What dac would only have 1 option for connections ?  You didnot mention  that  to see it’s build quality .I would say look for something else . All quality dacs I have tried ,or heard had multiple inputs.

The DAC under consideration is the Wattson Madison.  It has a SPDIF input and a Toslink.  I would need the SPDIF for my CD transport.  The Wattson has a built in streamer but I found it sounded better when I ran my Bricasti M5 through its SPDIF. But again, I will need the SPDIF for my CDT.

Note: other DACs under consideration are the Synthesis Roma and the Less Loss Echo's end.  Both of these DACS have better connectivity options.  The Madison's advantages are size and its overall sound is pleasing.  Overall its a toss up.

@mdrone

- with any of your DAC choice options, it’s SPDIF over Toslink as the superior audio performance choice whenever possible …. Full stop.

- Defaulting automatically to the Toslink input in the Wattson Madison DAC would drive me to choose another DAC with better input options .

choose wisely.

The Wattson has an Ethernet input. Why not connect it directly to the network?

Looks like it also supports AirPlay, Tidal Connect and UPnP. You might not need your current streamer with this DAC.