External DAC is better... does it matter which input/output?

[guy48065]

This question is directed at those who CAN hear an improvement when using an external DAC:
Can you also hear differences depending which digital connection you choose?
Experienced any reliability/dropout issues that might cause you to choose a sonically inferior connection in favor of stability?

 

[Mr Ee]

I think it very much depends on the dac itself, and sometimes the cable.
One of my dacs limits optical to 96khz.
One of my dacs limits usb to 96khz.
Not that 96khz max is necessarily an issue in and of itself, but higher rate source material needs to be down sampled, which wiims can do.
One of my dacs seems to sometimes like adding slight pop noises between tracks (and not only on sample rate changes it seems) when using usb.
Some here report issues with some optical cables not supporting 192khz, or dropouts at high sample rates when optical is tightly bent.

Can I tell the difference between ultra rca out vs digital to a dac? Yes, I think I can (and most especially to the vibelink).
Can I tell the difference between the different inputs on my dacs? No, I don't think I can.
Can I tell the difference between some of my dacs? No, I don't think I can. (And this stopped me picking up two 2nd hand 'bargains' recently!)
Can I tell the difference between the different settings on my dacs? Maybe. Sometimes.

Could I pass a rigorous scientific test? Probably not, but who cares, I'm having fun.