I contacted Trinnov Support to enquire if there's any foundation to rumours that the Altitude 16 model could support digital outputs and hence could be partnered with the 271 without unnecessary A to D conversions. Response below:

Originally Posted by Trinnov Support
We would like to implement some audio over IP protocol which could be AES67 compatible but there is no development planned for the moment or anything. Don't wait for it too much smile
So, it's possible and on their wish list but not coming anytime soon. Pity, the 16 is about half the price of the 32.

Main system - Sources (Kodi-HTPC, Vero 4k, FireTV, Sat) into Trinnov Altitude 32 (8-16) (+Roon), Trinnov Amplitude 8 amp & Vivid Audio (Giya G3, V1.5) and REL Stentor III speakers. Others: F80 + Raspberry Pi and other Pi systems.