I had the chance this weekend to listen to the new Linn Klimax organik streamer . We listened through a pair of analog Genelec 8030C* , and we also did listen with the organik through a focusrite 2i2 analog input and a windows machine to record the signal and then making listening comparisons with the Genelec 8030C .
The worsening to the sound using AD/DA/windows playback with Focusrite 2i2 was unfortunately big and clear for everyone to hear . Linn organik from its xlr out directly into the Genelec 8030C was much better sounding . And yes - we listened with the same sound level.
So all off you who really believe an extra AD/DA cant make a difference - you are simply wrong in your belief.
* The analog active Genelec 8030C is really good enough to show such differences in the sound, and my own more expensive 8340 with digital input using a DDC with a Mac didnt have a chance in sound quality in this case, at least this was my feeling about it when I listened at home to my speakers afterwards. No controls in this case.