hmmm . . .. I did not realise that this was not the case (re:USB input) . . .
I have emailed Burson and hopefully will get a response back to clarify this . . . ..
I do know that the HA160D on USB sounds a whole heap better than the Cambridge Audio DAC Magic, or the Musical Fidelity V-Dac . . .
. . . on Coax, whilst they all sounded different, the difference was not as great on USB.
Secondly . . what do you mean the Sonar XT as a transport ?
. . .surely the Hard drive is the transport, the XT is the Digital-->Digital converter. . .
I believe the less conversion (hardware or software) going on, the better things often sound, hence my suggestion of using the USB input (up to 24/96) rather than the Sonar converting to Coax.
Of course, the most fun (and proper HeadFi) thing to do . . . would be to compare and have a listen to the two options, and then share your findings
In my experience with USB and firewire DACs (CA DAC MAgic, Mackie ONYX 24/96, Edirol PCRA30, Linear BCL, MF V-Dac, NuForce uDAC + others)
I find the Burson is an excellent choice straight from USB (or any other digital input . . .). . . haven't tried analogue ins yet.
As long as we all enjoy our music, and don't get bogged down in "mine's better than your's", then differences of opinion are welcome and valid.
Happy listening!
Simon