Hi Sean,
I had a hunt around and was able to find the dCS documentation for the Verdi Encore software release v1.10 (Aug 2006).
The digital inputs are activated in that release.
To quote the doc: "A source menu page has been added to give access to the AES and RCA digital inputs. These will accept data up to 24 bits at 32, 44.1 or 48 kS/s, convert it to DSD and output the data on the 1394 interface."
("kS/s" is kiloSamples per second.)
So if that feature is important to you check the software version loaded (turn the Encore on and scroll through the menus).
I had a hunt around and was able to find the dCS documentation for the Verdi Encore software release v1.10 (Aug 2006).
The digital inputs are activated in that release.
To quote the doc: "A source menu page has been added to give access to the AES and RCA digital inputs. These will accept data up to 24 bits at 32, 44.1 or 48 kS/s, convert it to DSD and output the data on the 1394 interface."
("kS/s" is kiloSamples per second.)
So if that feature is important to you check the software version loaded (turn the Encore on and scroll through the menus).