I have the audioengine b1 currently connected to the 975 with an optical cable, so that means it's bypassing the b1 dac and using the 975. I don't have a spare RCA to test if the b1 dac is going to sound better does anyone know if it will? If so, I can order the cables.

Thanks

Don't know, but based on the specs I would say the 975 would be better. Plus, if I remember right, if you use stereo with a subwoofer the input just gets digitized anyways..

EEman is correct. It would go through an ADC in order to have things like bass management applied so you can have sub output with your stereo inputs.

Theoretically, the better way to go would be optical out and avoid double conversions.

Great, I was doing that way but I was just wondering if it was the best way. All new to this.