John,

I tried the 596 direct to my 568.1 and the 518 in the path was so much better. Smoother more analog, laid back and more depth and better bass. I never tried the same with my 568.2...I still have the 518 in the path and I'm using a 598 now. Plan to use my 596 in a second room when my additon is finished. Smartlink is still a little dryer sounding than through the 518 and I like flat dither output. The noise shaping could be what I'm hearing that makes the difference. Flat dither out the 518 is really nice when listening to CD's. It smooths out the soundstage and makes notes more palpable than the noise shaped smartlink.

Ron

HT: 568.2mm (Revelation One filter), 518x2, SB3, Bryston 7BSTx3, 8BST, Aerial 10T, CC3, SW12(Qty2) w/SVS AS-EQ1, MK Tripole x4. JVC RS1u, DVDO Duo, Oppo 103 w/Vanity103HD, Sony PS3, VIP 3D Theatre, Acer H5360. Logitech Ultimate Remote and Hub.