Toslink

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.

When I switched out an optical cable to SPDIF, I noticed a blacker background, ie the spaces between notes.  Nice improvement.