Why We Chose Analog
It's a rarer use scenario, and the lack of a universal digital standard makes it an option we don't feel that customers need or want to pay for — as it adds cost.
The Problem with AES Digital
AES digital carries both left and right signals down one cable. Therefore each loudspeaker has to be informed as to whether it's left or right, necessitating a control. Not all mixers have AES outs, so it's a feature that most people couldn't use.
SPDIF and Its Limitations
SPDIF is carried separately left and right but uses a cable with a practical length limit, and as far as I know you cannot use it for a pass-through signal.
Dante and the IT Complexity Factor
Dante necessitates IT programming that can lead to trouble and error, and adds significantly to the cost due to Dante IP licensing charges.
The Real-World Tradeoff
It would be better sonically to have a straight through digital signal — but that only works if everything is using the same protocols, clock speed, and sampling rate. Analog is universally compatible.
The tradeoff in quality is minimal due to the quality of components we use. Ultimately, user error and the quality of the audio tracks will have a far greater impact than the small conversion losses from going D/A/D.
