Triode User
Member of the Trade: WAVE High Fidelity
That's weird unless it is my AS3000 playing tricks on me because when using DAC MODE I am using LINE IN via RCA and when using Dave as a DIGITAL PREAMP MODE I am on MAIN DIRECT input still RCA but shut's off all internal components from headphone section, tone controls etc.. So I am not hearing the Dave Change it is my AMP within less internal = more analog sound.. All I know it is a win win because it sounds great.
All that Dac mode does is lock the Dave output level to -3dB. If you have Dave in preamp mode and set the output to -3dB then the two are identical in both loudness and audio quality. It must be your AS3000 circuits or your ears but like you say, win win.