DIYHiFi.org

Given the intimate relationship between the bit stream and it's decoding, the question of the approach in making the best digital source output becomes complicated so I am asking for a consensus here. Is the preferred method to mod the existing device or put the conversion in a separate box and switch in the bit stream from each device?

Damn, even if y'all had a 'worky type job' you'd have been off on Friday to answer this

You will hardly get a useful answer unless you are specific on your 'existing device', and your plans regarding a 'separate box', and the way you gonna make a switch.

Noted. My point is this, is it sonically better to switch in the analog output of an optimized source than to use an all-in-one DAC solution. Yes, we gain the convenience of one digital line source and a unified digital conversion but we lose the opportunity to voice each source independently and the question of the bit transmission becomes more critical. I have recently read that there are DACs that can be programmed to better mate the source bit stream but this is a complexity that may be inconvenient and disturbing to the enjoyment of just powering on and listening. I am looking at this from the typical DIYer's point of view who doesn't have the equipment or knowledge to build such a complex device well. Isn't he better off just tweaking the analog output stage of the digital source device? Am I seeing this wrong?

Is it my english or yours, but I still don't understand the question.
But I suspect that your question could be summarized in one line of text. Could you try again?

_________________
Carlos Filipe

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction." Albert Einstein

Okay:
option 1: digital sources streaming bits over a cable to a DAC
option 2: digital sources with optimized circuits outputting an analog signal
From a cost benefit point of view, which is better?

digital sources with "optimized circuits" outputting an analog signal, with digital inputs.

_________________
Carlos Filipe

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction." Albert Einstein

carlosfm
Please don't try to confuse matters. When I say a "digital source with an optimized circuit", I mean a 5.25" disc player or similar device transmitting bits describing the sound. What were you trying to say when you added "with digital inputs"? How is the digital input missing from a digital source?