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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 overthemoon

overthemoon
402 posts
 

@tshark "Go Stars!"

Excellent question and I encourage you to run some experiments to given your current gear does have some optionality.

If you are currently using your McIntosh's DAC for CDs try the Luxman and find out what differences you hear if any.

If you hear a difference, what do you prefer?  I think this is important - different gear can sound different and beauty is in the eye (or in this case ear) of the beholder.

There are pros and cons on using built in DACs within Integrated Receives, CD players and even Streaming/DACs.  I recommend the trying different configuration of your equipment so you may determine if an upgrade is worth the price.

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