The problem here is applying the correction to lp. It would be better to apply the correction to a digital signal, before the dac. I assume most audiophiles resist disturbing the all-analogue chain of lp’s and tape (otherwise, what’s the point?) But if you want to apply digital signal correction to lp’s, you’re stuck with a conversion. Putting the correction between the pre and amp at least avoids a double conversion for lp’s, but it will apply the double conversion to the digital signal.
Can’ you use the MEN (or something else, like Accuphase) as the sole dac? Does it have digital inputs and a volume control?
It challenges my deep audiophile prejudices to have 2 dacs in the chain, but it’s a trade-off.
Digital Room Correction: Where in the chain?
I’ve been contemplating the purchase of the McIntosh MEN220. I have a challenging room, and I’ve done my best with equipment placement, furnishings, and room treatments. My listening is 80% digital (streaming and discs), 20% vinyl. My digital chain is Roon/Qobuz, Lumin U2 Mini, Denafrips Pontus II 15th, McIntosh C-53, MC312, B&W702 S3 and REL T/7x. Transport is the MCT500 to the C-53 via din connector.
My hesitation is that the MEN220 requires an analog to digital to analog conversion. It seems like it would be best to apply any and all DSP in the upstream digital before my respectable DAC does the conversion. Is this midstream ADA negating my digital front end? Is there inherent loss in the extra conversion cycle? Or am I thinking about this wrong?