The connections on the rear of the SA-10 for digital inputs are optical (Toslink), coaxial (SPDIF), USB, and for IPOD.
In the event that the SACD laser becomes non-functional the player still retains DAC functionality for the above inputs. The only above input that accept DSD is the USB input connection. The player remains fairly functional.
However, the reason for having the player is generally to play sacd discs.