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Is a DAC Worth It With Airport Express

Hi - hoping I can get some guidance on DAC and whether or not I need one. My current system:

Onkyo SR608
KEF Surround Speakers 3500SE
MacBook Pro w/iTunes

I play my iTunes library on my Onkyo receiver / KEF speakers via Airport Express.

I recently saw the PS Audio Digital Link III available at a pretty reasonable price. I know that this type of DAC (and others I'm sure) make CDs sound better, but I never use any of my CDs anymore. I listen to all my music as described above and use Apple Lossless whenever possible.

Would my setup benefit from the PS Audio product? I would imagine the setup would be Airport Extreme --> PS Audio --> Onkyo Receiver, correct?

Or is the DAC on my Onkyo fine as it is and the PS Audio just a waste of money?

Thanks so much!!!
cg27288
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Yes a DAC ought to be a big improvement. Audio out on Apple products have long been a weakness.

But a big factor in how much improvement you get will be how well the DAC handles jitter. After the initial model (which measured well) Airports have become notorious for their high jitter. So a DAC that handles jitter well ought to really help things out.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Go for an asynchronous type DAC and you will get an audible improvement. Not night and day but usually audible if you listen very carefully/crticallu. I have used a Benchmark DAC1 with AE and heard an improvement. It is like removing noise - everything is a little clearer with less hash.
cg27288 OP
3 posts
 
Great responses. Thank you.

Any thoughts on my set up with the soon to be released Peachtree DAC'it?

Thanks again.
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
Again, it all depends on the resolution of your system and the quality of the DAC in your AVR. I'd assume you'd hear a difference, improvement and/or worth the cost is another matter that's up to the individual.

If you can try one risk-free for a period, that should answer your question. You may find that the money would be better spent elsewhere. Only one way to ultimately find out.
robertjwarren
1 posts
 
Anyone know if the McCormack DAC (original) handles jitter very well? Thats what I am using from the AE
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