Maybe the argument is over terminology: if you assume that the Devialet's A-to-D and D-to-A chain is accurate, then it will preserve any "character" (meaning: inacccuracy) that might be associated with an outboard DAC. Depending on your taste, that might sound "better" than the original digital signal input directly to a digital input on the Devialet.
Roon (Mac Mini), Wilson Benesch Full Circle, Expert 1000 Pro CI, Kaiser Chiara
Warwickshire, UK