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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 3 responses by mahler123

mahler123
3,479 posts
 
I have your Pioneer Player.  I used to use it in a two channel system but it’s been in a multichannel system now for years.  I now use an Oppo 105 in the two channel system
I also have a lot of SACDs. 
In your case I would Second the recommendations for the Oppo 105 or 205.  The DAC is an improvement over the Pioneer, which still is a good player, but you will notice and increase in treble quality and a much more detailed sound, with some improvement in bass.  The picture quality will no doubt improve.  The Oppo can be configured to output the DSD layer of SACDS, if you were to add a DAC that can accept HDMI in the future.  The Oppo can be used to play 2 channel or multichannel downloads via it’s USB port.
mahler123
3,479 posts
 
@don_1 
I own the Oppo 105, not the 205, but I think they are similar in that they use the same DAC chips in their digital and analog stages.  I use the 105 in a two channel system.  SACD is played through the analog outputs.
  I also have the 105 connected to the Bryston DAC 3 which accepts the DSD from SACDs over HDMI
mahler123
3,479 posts
 
@don_1 
There is a Home Theater Forum in the Agon Forums.  Have you posted there?
   I have both two channel system and 2 HT systems in my house.
The two channel system is my "high end" setup and the two HT systems are mid fi.  Both have 10 year old receivers that I've been wanting to replace but I keep sinking the $ into the two channel....
I do think that one can get great results in a surround sound with mid fi equipment.  It's discouraging that surround sound has such a limited following and for that matter it is discouraging that any kind of system seems to be terra incognita for the 30 and under crowd
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