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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.
oldschool1948

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,678 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.
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