Usb is better than optical imo. Look at the d10 i.e the optical only goes up to 24bit where the usb goes all the way to 32bit. Maybe a stupid example but you get more out of usb.
Typically it depends on how they are implemented, but they sound similar. USB is more subject to noise but can go higher than 24/192 (if you really need that) where toslink is less affected by noise and interference but capped at 24/192 with other downsides to both. It really just depends on how well it was designed
Hey I haven’t taken the time to read through the whole discussion but it seems like you are looking for a good dac/amp combo that can be used with usb and optical in for console gaming?
I recently upgraded to a rnhp and am selling my monolith thx aaa 788 for $350 shipped, if you are interested give me a pm and I can provide more info.
Portable or desktop?
Oh my bad, the desktop.
Can the archel 2.5 run the 880 600ohm ok?
You should have no issues with that, should be great 
thanks for the quick reply! still contemplating what to get… still have the k5, but still can return, so i’m debating if i should take my $350 and put it into a DAC and keep the k5… also still considering the rec of d50s and asgard or the geshelli stack. or i could grab a d10 and put the $400ish into an amp. idk, i’m everywhere.
I would not do this, I would prioritize a better amp and dac here, not keep the k5 pro
Both would be pretty great
You could, but I think you would have to jump up to the 500 range for an amp tho imo, otherwise the g stack or Asgard and dac would be the wiser choice imo
Also the jds labs element II is a great dac amp combo that would be super nice if you wanted another combo unit
Would’ve been all over the asgard with a dac card that had optical. Shame
You could look for a used bifrost multibit like this one
And then stack it with the Asgard 3? That would be pretty sick
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would you know what sch-04 is versus sch-04e?
I think they are different revisions. You just want to make sure you get a multibit if you want a higher quality dac
What if I paired the asgard with the modi multibit? Very much like the idea of the clean uniform schiit look.
Ehhhhhhh, I would still avoid the modi tbh, the output stage on the modi isn’t the best
I don’t know how quickly you want to get this done. If you can wait, I imagine Schiit will get it together on a new Modi reasonably soon. It seems they did a great job in responding to market challengers and community feedback with their latest Magni models. I have no insider knowledge whatsoever, but I would be surprised if they’re not also working on a similarly improved Modi. But yeah, in this hobby Tom Petty’s words were wise: the waiting is the hardest part.
Noob question… could the dac affect imaging?
Yes, if you have a good quality dac it can improve imaging and soundstage/spatial recreation
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Think I’m going to opt for the su-8 for the inputs, features and potential to utilize balanced in the future. I’m am however anxious for the su-8 successor. I’m also considering making this move as I’ve collected that a dac in this price range could serve me well for some time. My intent would then be to grab a cheap amp with full intention to upgrade to $500+ in the fairly near future. With that said, what’s the favorite $100 amp? Atom and Spark are obvious but are the current schiit offerings better?
Well, if you want a warmer, wider, and smoother amp the liquid spark is your pick. If you want something clean edging on analytical the schiit heresy is your pick (the atom and heresy sound so close)