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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 2 responses by oddiofyl

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,098 posts
 

The DAC in your Mac is not bad at all in my opinion.  My Dad's 8950 has the DA2 and it sounds pretty good.  

I would start by listening to your Luxmans analog outs and compare to the internal DAC.    Then possibly demo a DAC or two in your system if possible.    

DACs have evolved a lot.   My main system has a separate DAC but my second system's internal DAC sounds really good.    I actually sold my RME DAC because the internal DAC sounds so good.   It was redundant .    I think there are definitely some inherent advantages of built in DACs if they are implemented well.

Have to try it and see

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,098 posts
 

Definitely good gear ...   

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