2. digital
  3. 190088-179433

How To Use DAC in my McIntosh C2600 Preamp?

I guess I am embarrassed to post this thread, but here goes:

I have a Sony HAP Z1ES that I use as a server for all of my digital FLAC files. I have this Z1ES hooked up to my McIntosh C2600 Preamp using balanced cables to the Balanced L and R Inputs on the back of my C2600. I have recently been reading up on DAC's and I see that the DAC in the Z1ES is a $4 chip (I did not know this!).

I would like to explore using the DAC built into the McIntosh C2600. To do this, is it as simple as hooking up a Digital Optical cable from my Z1ES to the Digital Optical Input on the back of my C2600? Can I leave both the Unbalanced Cables and the Optical Cable hooked up at the same time and then toggle back and forth to listen to the differences?

Like I said at the start of this thread, my apologies for the stupid question - but I am learning!


Thanks.

hikerneil

Showing 1 response by hikerneil

hikerneil OP
38 posts
 

The administrators can actually delete this post.  Further research shows that the Sony HAP Z1ES does not have the ability to output a digital signal.  The unit uses its own DAC and can only output an analog signal. 

I will not be using the DAC in my McIntosh.

I suppose it's time to buy a new server to replace my aging Sony.

More to discover