In an all solid-state rig, which changes the sound signature more: DAC or amp? - Page 2

From your findings I've got the impression that the most colored link will be come the dominant sound in the system, or do you mean that the first link will determine the sound in the system always?

Basically, in an all-solid state rig (no tubes in the DAC or amp) - does the DAC or the amp have more potential to change the sound-signature?

Both. As easy as that. A SS amp can sound quite different from each other, and so can DACs without tubes. So, there is no right or wrong answer here. Both have the capability to alter the sound signature.
 

I find the second link affects the sound the most. When digital, the output sound from said source is typically neutral (from my testing). Now not all sources are neutral as some have processing that colors the sound. My finding with switching the DAC's is they alter the sound much more than the source. My PC uses the Audio-GD Digital Interface, a digital converter for USB audio, so the sound itself should be neutral. I have not experienced any converters that flavor the sound at all, from my experience with several converters. 

A CD player's output should not be colored at all. The sound should just go from the transport mechanism to the output. The DAC now reclocks and converts the signal. Some DAC employ different chip sets which can in fact color the sound. Most sonic changes between DAC to DAC is from the internal layout of parts as well as the parts used. But there are too many variables to determine the sound. But you already know this. 

I find the DAC to induce the most coloration to the audio rather than the source.
 

After a few days with the Phonitor I definitely agree with you...compare to my previous hps amp the Phonitor sounds so transparent that I can clearly hear the coloration of my Apogee DAC. I hope soon to compare the Apogee to the V800 and to gain more info, BTW why to use the Audio-GD Digital Interface in your system, your V800 is without the USB option?

My V800 does have USB input but the Digital Interface sounds better than the V800's USB input. 
 

With the external power supply? I'll get more into the Digital Interface thread, Was more simple for me if the DI had the ASE version.

Yup the external PSU as well. Maybe I'll get to testing the V800's USB connection as well as the DI again to see what I think. I don't Asynchrnous is all that great though. I don't notice any change between asynch or straight USB.
 

I didn't had any experience yet with Asynchrnous, but I'm not sure if this will have any effect on a single audio file (when you're listing to a song on your computer ). Maybe with multilayer audio editing soft in high res you'll feel the differences.

About the V800 Vs DI,  you can try some audio @ 24/96 or above to notice the differences. I remember a few members here complain about the Violectric 16/44 USB card, but maybe with the 24/96 card and the V-800 combo this will work much better.

Yes please do the testing, I'm sure many will be interested to hear your impression including myself.

EDIT: the EVO looks good, but expensive @ $500 (there are more expensive and ones)...the other DI boxes are between $40-200 like the DI. The UC192 @ $190 looks impressive, but need to hear it.

The V800 supports 24/96 via USB, so does the DI. I have tried by switching and the DI still sound smoother and more natural. It could just be the sonic character of the converter, but I always thought they didn't have one.