This is correct. It's usually better to go straight to the receiver via digital connection. My stereo receiver has no DACs, and even surround sound receivers have no digital connection for DVD-audio or SACD, except in super high end, proprietary units. So you have to fall back on DVD DACs again.

So my question is: how much would I have to spend on a receiver or DVD player to match the DAC quality from my $300 Yamaha CD changer? I'll be it's something absurd, maybe $1000 to $1500 each.

-Cooper