I tried it both ways. USB directly into my Emotiva XDA 1 dac and it sounded pretty good. Then, the usb to the V- link and coax from the v-link to the coax input on my Emotiva dac. Wow, what a difference! Music flows naturally, much more involving sound. Regular usb (non asychronous) is only 16 bits. The V-Link allows 24bits and 96khz. Big difference.
Bob
Bob