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Should I PURCHASE AN EXTERNAL DAC

I  have been debating on whether or not to purchase an external DAC and/or update my CD/SACD equipment. Honestly I am not very knowledgeable about DAC chips and I am in need of advice. Currently I have the Pioneer DV-47A Elite for my SACD's and a Rotel RCD 990 for my CD's. All being feed thru my Marantz AV8802A pre amp. When I purchased the Pioneer and Rotel new they were considered very good equipment and  had the better DAC chips at the time. I am using the DAC chip set in the Marantz for my Rotel and the DAC chip set in the Pioneer for SACD. I am considering the Oppo 205 if i decide to update, for SACD and CD's and Blue ray, (I also do home theater). Will the chip set in the Oppo or an external DAC be superior and noticeably different than my current equipment? How does it compare to the DAC in my Marantz? My budget is about $1000 for an external DAC. I am open to suggestions for equipment and any advice. I also use my computer to stream music from Amazon and Spotify (no Tidal or Roon streaming yet).  thanks  
don_1

Showing 6 responses by don_1

don_1's avatar
don_1 OP
94 posts
 
To Randy -11
I have read about the Benchmark DAC, and is another consideration. thanks
don_1's avatar
don_1 OP
94 posts
 
Just was wondering, how you set up the OPPO for CD's ? did you use the digital outputs and /or the analog outputs? I'm getting myself confused about using the chipset in the Oppo I should use the analog outputs..correct?  and for SACD the only choice would be the 7.1 analog outputs?  
don_1's avatar
don_1 OP
94 posts
 
  1. If I get the OPPO 205 I will actually replace 3 players. My 3rd player is the Samsung M8500 which is what I'm using for 4K movie content. although it seems crazy each of my players have their designated roles, CD's, SACD's, and Blue ray. It's tough to surrender the Rotel and Pioneer as they have been loyal in giving me hours of pleasure.   Sounds like the Oppo is well regarded by all of you. I thought there would be a few other pieces suggested.  thanks for your input Oppo it shall be.
     To tfl303---what exactly did you get upgraded and what did it cost?  
don_1's avatar
don_1 OP
94 posts
 
to audioengr and mahler123:    
thanks for the advice. I certainly will consider the syncro-mesh at $599 it's a reasonably priced upgrade. I had forgotten I can use the HDMI for SACD. I've been using the 7.1 to the Pioneer for so long.  I'm pretty satisfied with my current set up but i felt it was time to upgrade and tweet it some to get better sound. The rest of my system consists of maggies 1.7i's powered by Bryston 6BSST2 via XLR,  up front for 2 channel,  mmg's for side surround and rear,  and B & K 7250 and a Sunfire cinema Grand for surround duties. HSU for sub duties.  It seems like what I read on this forum the vast majority are not into home theater set ups , just 2 or multi channel music. I love my music but I enjoy a bang up movie too working that sub! 
don_1's avatar
don_1 OP
94 posts
 
my Maggies sit out about 40" from the back wall (built in entertainment center) so I dont have the room and considering the wife acceptance factor also. the flat screen does sit behind but in between the Maggies. 
What I would like to do is have my room analyzed for room treatments. think that would be the most important upgrade. 
@audioengr  I ordered the spdif thru Amazon this morning for $149, thanks for your suggestions. 

You guys are the best! thanks for all your assistance. 
don_1's avatar
don_1 OP
94 posts
 
My Rotel 990 is built like a tank and has a great transport, to use it with the Synchro Mesh for 2 channel. and get the Oppo for surround-SACD, and blueray.   Would I benefit from this set up for CD's or is it a minimal gain and just the Oppo for CD's as well.
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