@Douglas_Gardner your last answer is very interesting and I have been tempted to open a new topic in a different section but … I found this one SOLVED: Is USB audio quality resolved with the Raspberry Pi 4? i.e. No need for SPDIF Output HAT's
It’s really too long (for me) to be completely followed but… it’s a community and it’s good everyone can say what is thinking. I also found your position in it.
Digital world is interesting but there are too many options and variables to be sure to understood it reading opinions without the knoledge of the system used to do listening test.
Better is to involve some good friends at home, play music, change the possibilities and have fun together discussing of “tis is better” or “this is bad” with a cup of good coffee or tea 