Do you have another DAC you can try? It sounds like the DAC may be slow in locking onto the signal. Also, do you have another optical cable you can try?
They actually do work pretty well as I use a couple in my garage. You can also use a longer board against the wall that will mount to the studs and then mount the shelf to the board.
Hah (but Dusty beat me to it). I do like the look.
Thought the same thing.
You're my hero.
Posted them up since they were new to me and couldn't find a mention of them here.
If you go to the first link in 129 above and go to support you can download the 105 manual. The remote has a volume + - button. Since you can choose among multiple digital inputs it acts as a digital preamp. So when are you buying one?