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Basic DAC Question

There are DAC's in my oppo UDP-205 player, my Marantz AV7702mkII pre-amp processor, and I have a PS Audio Directstream DAC en-route.  Finally, although this would be exclusively used for vinyl, I am considering adding a Sugarcube sc-1 vinyl noise removal unit.....which in turn has its own internal DAC.

My question is: what is the net impact on a digital audio source's analog output integrity when its routed through so many DAC processors?

Appreciate your guidance on this!

Ag insider logo xs@2xim4umia
4 responses Add your response
junzhang10
252 posts
 
OPPO 105D is good enough for music. Has Tidal direct streaming (not on 205). Balanced out to Amp and sounds super.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
im4umia OP
11 posts
 
@audioengr - Got it.  Understood. Thank you!
willemj
1,036 posts
 
With an Oppo 205 you do not need a separate pre amp or an additional external DAC. The internal DAC is excellent, and its variable output can be fed straight into a power amplifier. That will save money, and may even sound better.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

1) If you are playing CD's on the Oppo, then driving analog cables to the Marantz preamp, you are only using the DAC in the Oppo.

2) If you are playing CD's in the Oppo, but driving digital cable to the Directstream DAC and then analog cables to the Marantz preamp, then you are only using the DAC in the Directstream.

3) If you play CD's in the Oppo and drive digital cable to the Marantz, then you are only using the DAC in the Marantz.

I would expect that #2 would sound best.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

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