I NEVER stream music. The DAC would be for use with the Bluesound vault. I used to use an Oppo 105 as a DAC, but I couldn’t hear a difference in SQ between it and the Emotiva XMC-1.I've had friends over to do some a/b testing (kind of blind). We all noticed a difference not actually better or worse just different. Only one of the 4 of could tell which one was the Emotiva and which one was the Oppo. So I sold the Oppo to help finance the Rega rig. If I listen to my stereo music in the reference (straight through signal) mode or direct (only bass management w/ active subwoofer) mode, what would a dedicated preamp give me?
PS Audio NuWave DAC
I’m wondering if adding a PS Audio NuWave DAC to my system would be an improvement for my digital listening
present system:
Emotiva XMC-1 preamp
Parasound 2125v2 power amp for front L&R speakers
Emotiva UPA-700 power amp for 4 surrounds and center speakers
Rega P6 turntable Rega Ania cartridge & Rega MC FONO phonoamp
Bluesounf Vault 2
Sony UBP-800M2 DVD player
AV123 Strat Mini front L&R speakers
AV123 RSC200 center
Klipsch RS-35 surrounds
Boston CR-6 back surrounds
SVS SB3000 subwoofer