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Best DAC for my system?

Thinking I would like to add an outboard DAC to my system.  I have Forte IIIs, McIntosh MC2105, McIntosh MX119 and I use a Bluesound Node2 for streaming.  What would be best options in the $500 range?  Or do I need to spend more on the DAC to make enough improvement over the Node2 DAC?  Thanks....
purplejester

Showing 2 responses by crn3371

crn3371
224 posts
 
Have you tried the DAC on the MX119? That would be the first thing I’d try. If you still feel you need an external DAC, I’d suggest upping your budget, plus consider used. 
crn3371
224 posts
 
ddude003 makes a good point, you’re feeding some higher end gear with a lower end streamer. If streaming is a major part of your listening experience you owe it to yourself to have your streaming components be of the same caliber as the rest of your system. At the very least, a GOOD external DAC for the Node. I honestly don’t think you’ll find that for $500. Also, there are much better streamers out there than the Node.
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