Do you think this is something that will be noticeable at all over a short (1.8m) cable?
Also apparently the sabre chip is supposed to have jitter correction so I guess jitter is not likely to be a problem at all. Anyway I'll try to AB between the optical and usb connections but I highly doubt I'll notice any audible difference.
I haven't done much serious listening tests to compare optical vs. usb, but ....
Apart from buying this fantastic NFB-11.28, I also updated the usb receiver in my older NFB-3 to the same Amanero Combo 384 that is in the NFB-11.28.
(the NFB-3 is playing over my (rather high-end) speakers)
So now for the first time in years it is playing in a-synchronous mode.
When I heard it for the first time, I had the sensation that the sound had definitely improved even a bit more.
Strangely enough perhaps not in the high frequencies, but it seems more transparent in the bass/low-mid area.
And generally it feels as if the whole sound has some more (relaxed) authority.
Maybe I am imagining things a bit, but it sounds fantastic and I am enjoying the upgrade very much.
(and I am not going to spoil the fun by making it some scientific comparison project
I am curious to learn if you experience any differences when you compare your usb vs optical.
But you are probably right that it will make much less difference with these new Sabre chips. (if any at all)
p.s.
I think the length of the optical cable is not the most important factor, but the amount of bends/bending it is.