Toslink

Sometimes Toslink may not handle sample rates higher than 96 kHz. If the connection is iffy at a sample rate of 176.4 or 192 kHz, usually what happens is that the output will sporadically mute because synchronization is being lost between the streamer and the DAC.

SPDIF usually handles up to 192 kHz PCM and DSD64 if using the DSD-over-PCM (DoP) protocol while USB can handle up to 384 kHz PCM / DSD128 (DoP) or even 768 kHz PCM / DSD256 (DoP). Some DACs offer native DSD playback over the USB interface, though the streamer must support the feature with that particular DAC.

So it really boils down to what type of sampling rates you want supported and whether high bitrate DSD is important to you.

@ghdprentice 

AES/EBU was developed before SPDIF for professional use. SPDIF is a 'consumer-oriented' variant of AES.

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.

@mdrone

Apologies - I missed that in your reply.

It looks like the Toslink and SPDIF inputs on the Madison are equivalent in terms of technical capability. I don’t see a way for you to connect the Bricasti M5 to the Madison via Toslink though. The webpage only shows USB and AES / coax SPDIF digital outs.

If you’re averse to using Toslink still, there’s the option of putting in a SPDIF switcher so you can choose between the streamer and the CD player.

Otherwise, I suppose your DAC search continues.

No problem.

Here’s a switcher I found on B&H ($119). Looks like it’s from a company in Oregon that specializes in making gear for the broadcast market.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1351618-REG/inday_da4x_r_spdif_4x1_digital_audio.html/overview

Just something to consider.