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Newbie Q about DACs - built in or separate?

Excuse the (dumb) question, but I am nubie when it comes to the nuances of owning a stand-alone DAC Vs using a component's integrated DAC.

I have a McIntosh MA8900 integrated amp with DA2 upgrade, a Naim Uniti Core CD ripper streamer, and a Luxman D 07X SACD player, along with Von Schweikert Endeavour speakers. All cables/interconnects are high end (probably more so than the listed components).

Q - How do I know if the MA8900 DA2's performance is just good or very good?

Q - Do I use the DAC within my Luxman SACD player?  I'm told it is quite good.

Q - Would a separate DAC provide noticeable improvement over the above?

Q - Does my current integrated amp, CD ripper/streamer, or SACD need upgrading?

As I am writing this, I think that I am beginning to understand why folks go with separate components with a single utility.  Is this the high-end audio rabbit hole?

Serious questions, really.  Thanks! 

TShark 

Dallas TX

tshark

Showing 1 response by audiotroy

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,626 posts
 

the luxman has an excellent dac

 

We are a Naim dealer the core is decent but not great

 

We would recommend an upgrade to a 432evo standard server 3500

 

this will get you roon a far superior interface as well as usb output usb will give you high resolution streaming

 

so with this change you can evaluate your dacs true performance 

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect NJ 

Naim and 432evo dealers

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