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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 tshark

tshark OP
25 posts
 

Thank you for providing some clarity. I can see I need to critically listen with the options I have before adding another component. 

Q - if I were to look at a separate DAC, should I stay within a price range so as not to overbuy for my system?  I don’t mind spending $$$, as long as it is the right component to upgrade. 
 

thx!

tshark OP
25 posts
 

XLR Output from Luxman into Mac.  I'm guessing I need to critically listen to Mac DA2 and then Luxman, etc...

 

AND PER OVERTHEMOON... GO STARS!  ;)

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