dunghnguyen wrote:@PeteB: your advice is really comprehensive. But as what I know 2 channels amp always has better sound in term of music...
Hi,
In general, you are correct, and I personally prefer using my 2-channel analog gear to listen to music.
But in this case, I think he is better off using the DAC in his A/V receiver and a digital output from the Pi/DIGI combo. The 510 is a very high-end receiver, and the engineers probably had the money to spend improving the main two stereo channels over normal surround sound quality. You may as well make use of it.
However, the main reason is the signal-to-noise ratio at the output of the DAC+. You have the combined Pi, the switching power supply, the ethernet connection, all on the same ground.
This is one reason why the engineers at HiFiBerry allowed an option for a split power supply for the DAC+ Pro. There is simply no room on the DAC+ for the filter capacitors and other analog components normally found in more expensive DACs. So, the sound we get directly from the DAC+ will depend on the input stage of whatever amplifier it is connected to.
I tried to answer the question about the Pi/DAC+ v. the 510, there may be other considerations. If you simply "like" the sound of older analog amplifiers (like I do), despite some of the drawbacks, then my answer will not satisfy you...
P.