I finally hooked up the Bel Canto to my computer via optical, instead of the usual USB. (Behold the awesome power of procrastination ). Not sure if its any better. I put on a Fleet Foxes song and heard some distortion I never noticed before, but too much for me to have simply overlooked it. Maybe the Bel Canto Dac3 has a crappy optical implementation, or maybe my 680i mobo does. I don't hear anything objectionable w/ the Living Stereo classical I've been ripping today though. I get the feeling I've lost some texture in the violins, but maybe its just not as 'warm' as usual w/ my HD650s. Then again, its picking up amazing texture from what I think is an oboe. Could I really have been that deaf w/ the USB setup I've had for so long
Also the Oppo Digital redbook has sounded fine to the Bel Canto via optical.
I'll need to do more listening this week, I guess. Though I may move my 'big rig' back up to my room to use w/ my new computer.