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Integrating a DAC into an Analog System

I have an old school stereo system and stream Tidal and other digital sources using Logitech Media Server through a Logitech Squeezebox Duet.  My main system:  McIntosh - C31V A/V controller, MC2600 power amp, and MCD2007 CD player; Techniques SL-1600 MKII turntable;  Teac X-10R reel-to-reel; and Tannoy DC8Ti speakers.  I have about 1200 vinyl albums, about 500 CDs, and 16K songs on a Synology NAS. I'd like to keep what I have and replace the Duet with a decent DAC that, if possible, has a phono and RCA input.

The C31V has no digital inputs; it does have an equalizer that I still want to use.  Depending on the DAC, I will connect the turntable and reel-to-reel to the C31V.  I'd also like to use XLR cables from the DAC to the MC2600 instead of RCA cables from the C31V.  I can't think of a way to influence a digital signal via the C31V's equalizer when using XLR cables from the DAC.  Anyone know of a solution for that? 

If necessary, I'll buy a new pre-amp and DAC, or a pre-amp/DAC combo.  I'd like to spend less than $4,000 for whatever I buy.
128x128oldschool1948
5 responses Add your response
erik_squires
16,058 posts
 
To keep things simple, keep your Duet and feed it's output to a DAC. I did that for a while until I got a dedicated media PC (running Xubuntu).

Feeding my Mytek Brooklyn, it worked superbly. I've now moved it to my bedroom feeding an NAD 3020 D via coax, and the combo there is great as well.

Bottom line, I kept the Logitech Media Server, and can stream throughout the house in sync.  It is actually pretty sweet especially in the morning when getting ready to leave.
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
501 posts
 
Simple is always good.  And I will plug a duet into whatever I buy.  

I'm retiring in August and have setup a listening room using my main system. I need a good DAC and acoustic treatment to finish phase 1.  My preference is the McIntosh C52.  It has everything I want, but the price is a bit too high.  The C47 and NAD M12 are on my shortlist.  If the Brooklyn DAC+ had one more analog input, it would be on my shortlist.

On a related noted, I use LMS to synchronize and stream music to 2 zones controlled by duets; 2 controlled by Raspberry PI DACs; and (via a LMS plug-in) 4 Riva WAND AirPlay enabled speakers.  Works great.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,833 posts
 
Check out the ADL Stratos....  it is a DAC , phono pre with a rec out circuit for archiving vinyl,   Also has aux in , and can function as a preamp/ headphone amp.   It looks like an awesome piece.  It is on my short list for a headphone amp but also to get back into vinyl 
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oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
501 posts
 
The ADL Stratos looks good on paper.  I will add it to my short list and try to audition it.  Thanks!
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