Advice regarding separate DAC purchase

I would concentrate on the sound characteristics of the DAC and not the technology. Denfrips are highly regarded DACs for their price. I’ll let someone else chime in on the contrasting the two.
 

I would not recommend going cheap on this. First, you don’t want a sideways move, there are extremely good DACs in the $4 - $5K range that will support streaming when you get there. You will get there.  The sound quality of streaming can be the same as vinyl of Red Book CDs and you suddenly have access to millions of albums at nearly zero cost, many of higher resolution, you end up asking… “what was I thinking? Why didn’t I do this years ago.

@gjohns i have the MA8900 as well and I use a Hermes DDC connected to a Pontus II 12th Anniversary DAC. I find it to be much better than the DAC1 module in soundstage, imaging, smoothness with increased detail, transients and decay (pretty much every aspect is better imho). I do agree with @ghdprentice that you should consider something higher up in the Denafrips chain, like the Terminator, if you’re interested in their DACs. It’s also good advice to remain focused on the sound you want as opposed to the architecture of the DAC. Knowing what I know now I would likely skip the setup I have and go straight to the Teminator. I’m actually considering selling the two components I have now to fund a Terminator purchase. I do like the DDC though as it allows me to use the I2S input which I think also made an improvement over USB. There are many very good R2R DACs available. I love my setup but some might find it too laid back for their taste. Which is to say, finding the right DAC that integrates with your system and gives you the sound you want should be a priority.  The short answer is yes it is an excellent upgrade.  The question of whether it’s the right upgrade for you depends on what sound signature you’re looking for.

you suddenly have access to millions of albums at nearly zero cost, many of higher resolution, you end up asking… “what was I thinking? Why didn’t I do this years ago.

Absolutely.  A streamer is an essential component.

I would concentrate on the sound characteristics of the DAC and not the technology. Denfrips are highly regarded DACs for their price. I’ll let someone else chime in on the contrasting the two.

solid advice above from @ghdprentice

the op did not mention the rest of his system nor what his/her desire is for the sonic balance of the new dac being considered

the dena pontus is rather warm/rich but spacious sounding dac

just by the notion of the mcintosh gear mentioned in the op, i would think this may well be duplicative of the sound signature already being presented in the system

thusly, perhaps the op would benefit from a clearer, more upfront, livelier presentation -- which could be afforded by a chord dac (qutest or hugo tt2), an original schiit yggy, or a gustard r26 (which incidentally has an onboard streamer).... further up the price ladder, dacs from weiss or bricasti would also fit this bill

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.  Seems there's a consensus among you that this may be closer to a lateral move for the results I desire and would require much more expense than I initially intended to raise my experience with my CD collection.  I'm currently 66+ and I don't believe streaming is in my future regardless of the dearth of music that is available with that format. Geez I haven't time to listen to the physical media on hand 😆. 

😊. I’m 71… I see streaming a key part of my audio strategy because it is increasingly hard to get up all the time.

I didn’t have time to listen to my physical media either. Now, I virtually listen to nothing from the part. My world has opened up exponentially… that is a great thing. The best thing that has happened in music in my life. Your not dead yet… enjoy!

The Pontus is not a lateral move but, given the investment level you spent on the integrated, something in the $4-$5k range will likely serve you better.  If that is not economically feasible the Pontus is definitely several steps up from the DAC1 that comes with the 8900 and is worth the cost imho.  You can always give the Pontus a spin as you can find them used.  If you don’t like it it’s not hard to sell them as they are well liked.  Places like The Music Room have a 30 or 60 day return policy as well which would give you plenty of time to determine if it works for you or not.

One last thing, the DAC1 module is a decent DAC and, if you don’t want to spend money on a new one, is more than capable.  Streaming is a fantastic way to listen to and discover new music.

The DAC1 module in Mac gear doesn’t have a great reputation and several here have replaced it with a separate DAC and been very happy with the improvements.  I’d recommend getting the Pontus ll along with either the Iris or Hermes DDC and use the i2S connection that provides a big sonic upgrade.  You won’t be disappointed.

Seems there's a consensus among you that this may be closer to a lateral move 

as others have said... don't think this is correct ...

but whether it is worth the op's while given his overall system, i dunno