I tried connecting both coax and iLink and setting up one for CD and one for DVD/LD on the amp with identical settings (Direct) so I could switch instantly between them and the digital interface was the only difference. The iLink was clearly and by a mile superior, lifting a veil from the sound. There were instruments you could not hear with the coaxial cable. Also, the soundstage was noticably 'bigger', the speakers dissapeared at the front and the sound seemed to 'come forward'.
I'm very impressed with this set up. Also, being able to apply proper bass management and more importantly, tone controls to SACD and DVD-A is excellent. Unlike most cheaper amps, the EQ section is actually worth having and appears to leave the sound unharmed. My room is solid slate floors and bare walls so EQ is a must. The results are SACD like I have never heard it. I was able to play DSOTM at quite high volumes without it descending into mush as it normally would in my room. I know I lose DSD this way but it still sounds superb.
So, I'm blown away by this combo
That's pretty much what i found myself with my 969AVi-AX4i combo using i-Link.
I'm not into "high end" sound, but even i noticed instruments i never heard before.
I posted a little review last November saying good this modest (in audio terms!) combo was.
I have found i-Link to offer other nice features(apart from "Jitterless sync locking"/SACD DSD etc etc), such as device naming on the AX4i etc.
Considering how much you can end up paying for high end cables alone, i would view i-Link as a must have feature.
I had to buy a slightly longer i-Link cable, but at £4 I don't think it broke the bank!!! :laugh:

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terminal for uncompromised digital processing of DVD-Audio and SACD sources.

