The problem with your theory is that if the cable was dropping 0's and 1's the DAC would mute and play nothing because the data was corrupt.

There is a significant gain difference between the SE and balanced on this amp. If you are not using the gain switch to compensate the balanced output will sound much better than the unbalanced. There is no real difference.

I wouldn't buy another one right now. Every couple of years they come out with a new model with even better features and performance.   And it's almost 2 years now since this one came out.

Yes, you can control volume this way. Since it's a 32 bit DAC there is no effect on sound quality.   Quite a few people use an external amp directly with their Oppo, skipping a preamp. By eliminating the preamp you have less grundge in signal. 

    Just a suggestion, but nobody likes to read a wall of text. Make paragraphs and you will get more people to read your messages.   Also, I don't see why you need the BDP-105 if you are going to use the Anthem. The analog output will have to be re-digitized for use with room correction...

  I use mine with a Bryston BHA-1 in a balanced configuration with a pair of LCD-2s. I think the Bryston gives a bit more oomph to the bass, but at a cost of a little loss of resolution over the internal amp.

  That's pretty much the case for me. After buying this I think there are other places to spend money that would give me much better returns.

  That's a great deal. The D2 is a superb DAC.

When you do that comparison between balanced and unbalanced be sure to compensate for the gain difference. In my opinion there is no audible difference once you correct for the higher gain of the balanced connection.

Quote:   I used to have hum issues in my HT until I put an Jensen VRD-1FF isolation transformer in my cable line. It's a very common problem caused by poor grounding of the cable feed. If you run into it again you might want to try the iso xformer. The Jensen is pretty much the industry...

Quote:   Yes I've used my D2 connected to a pair of Focal CMS 50s. Works well. More recently I added a SVS SB12 Plus sub to my setup so now the D2 works through the sub. I also use a Bryston BHA-1 as a preamp from time to time. It makes the bass a touch richer.   Pretty nice desktop...

Quote:   That Denon is a seriously good DVD player. The upscaling was superb. I used to own one but I had laser issues with it.    I'd be interested in your opinion of the DVD upscaling compared with the Oppo. I've heard some people state they thought the Denon was slightly better...

Quote:   The Roku is nice for streaming Amazon though. I've used it quite a bit for the stuff that's available free to Prime customers.

Quote:     No. The price difference between the two is mostly because of the DAC differences.

Quote:   My source, an Anedio D2 has a remote so this isn't an issue for me. However I would use a pre out defeat if I had it.