While the DA2 is apparently a big step up over the DA1 it’s hard to imagine you can’t do significantly better with a separate DAC especially as there are so many excellent options out there these days. Certainly worth exploring.
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