how do you know if you need a dac ?

@jond 

only see a digital out ( xlr )

@soix 

just couldnt find the right cartridge with the arm I had  and wasnt sure what arm would be the " correct one " .....and just dealing with the imperfections of the albums, cleaning , etc....was just getting to much.

@itzhak1969                      "  The Ayre CX-7 has also 2 xlr and unbalanced analog outputs,You should try them and see if the sound is better than the digital xlr you should use it instead"


 Preamp is rca only, so if I wanted to try the xlr from the Ayre , would have to get the adapters.....and not sure if would make a difference ?   could try I guess.

@goofyfoot 

"  Are you certain you can't use your CD player as a stand alone DAC as well? If not, I'd call Ayre."


Can you explain that please , not sure I understand.    

@goofyfoot 

this is not being connected to a computer .