@melm The Okto dac I purchased some years ago was the streaming version, that streamer being a Raspberry Pi, never really experimented much using as streamer since I had the Sonore at the time, assumed it superior.
After some time reflecting on specific sound qualities I'm hearing with 006 via usb, vs I2S using 006 internal clock vs I2S using Gaia clock it occurred to me some could possibly prefer the presentation of usb and/or I2S/internal clock. Specifically, both these outputs provide what I'd call a more intimate presentation, I could also describe it as more neat and tidy. The more expansive sound stage using Gaia tends to blend individual images in that image outlines more diffuse, the other outputs present more tightly drawn images. I'd describe the more diffuse image presentation more along the lines of a live acoustic band, very little sound reinforcement, the other presentation more like what you'd hear with live or studio recording taking feed off soundboard. Another issue a more expansive, more diffuse sound stage could offer is it could excite certain listening room anomalies, for example reflective areas in room could emphasize certain frequencies which could be heard as extra harshness. One easily heard effect of the more expansive sound stage with Gaia clock is the sense of sound being freed from the front speaker plane or baffle, this presents not only a more upfront presentation, but also may more highly excite reflective surfaces close to speaker (this could affect surfaces further away as well). Perhaps I'm different in that I seek performers in room perspective, others may prefer being transported to recording venue. One is a more upfront presentation, the other more distant, no doubt the Gaia presents the more upfront presentation. I should add I spent many years experimenting with many types of room treatments and placement of them. Much listening time used visualizing sound waves of various frequencies and how they intersected with room boundaries. Reflection, diffusion, absorption all need to be in balance. My specific room dimensions (30 foot length, speakers fire down length) also provide a natural venue for my preferred sound staging I can envision a room in which Gaia presentation could be less preferred.
In thinking back to when I added an audiophile switch, I recall hearing this exact same more tightly drawn imaging, neat and tidy sound staging. I very much disliked the presentation and sold the switch, never understood some people's preference for them ever since. For me the Gaia presentation is more like a natural acoustic, vs the other presentation being more hifi.
Another thing that brought this whole sound staging preference to mind is a recent thread in which I participated where individual specifically mentioned he didn't like the exact presentation I prefer.
Finally, going in another direction, not unusual for lower noise floors/greater resolution to be less preferable for some people and some systems. I equate what many describe as musical is in fact a lower level of resolution that doesn't expose lesser recordings and/or certain defects or anomalies in audio systems. With the Gaia I certainly hear more into all recordings, along with the good comes the bad. Being a seeker of high resolution I've come to accept the bad along with the good. There are times when I may play several poorer quality recordings in succession when it gets to me, I will then specifically seek out higher quality recordings which remind me of the great benefits of a highly resolving system.
