Hello again...

Frank, the speakers will accept coax into both D1 and D2 (CD, RD).

But an update: I tried AI (Claude) and it scoured the manual and gave me a summary of steps, which I followed and voila, the 518 now passes both Coax and Optical! I have used this tool for other things, notably when doing my somewhat complicated taxes this year, and I must admit (slightly reluctantly, old fogey and all that) it is pretty impressive.

Haven't had much time since to do A/B but the little I've done leads me to think y'all were right. With only 44.1/48 signal, the 518 and direct-to-5500 sound very close, hard to tell. But because the 518 won't pass 96/24, the higher rate sounds better (direct only of course) when compared to downgrading the 96 signal to 48/24 so that it can pass through the 518. Initial findings, need more time but as I already own all the pieces involved (gonna keep the Eversolo as it is both good quality and good for the money), I have time to futz with all this.

Much appreciate all the kind input above. Not common to find this level of friendliness combined with knowledge on the now rough-and-tumble internet. Now maybe I'll look at moving up in the Meridian speaker line but that is several levels more involved, not to mention expensive. I've read, here and there, that upgraded 5500s occupy a very respectable position in the lineup given the investiment involved (and already owning a pair makes it that much better of course).

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