To DAC or not to DAC?

Thanks for all the quick and informative feedback. My local audio dealer is an elitist and generally condescending - not the best qualities for a retail environment, but I accept his personality and use his establishment as a well stocked, window shopping destination. So the prospect of a loaner or purchase at MSRP plus tax, aren’t very encouraging. Usually, after I experience the gear I’m interested in, I go online and hunt down the lowest price with no tax and hopefully no shipping. 

I chose to direct my digital outputs (MB100, OPPO 205) to the DAC in the MX122 because it was the newest/latest and I have good faith in Mcintosh gear. So, to refine my question - is a $3000 dedicated DAC going to make an obvious improvement over the internal Mcintosh DAC? 

@mzkmxcv

Thanks for the direction. I ordered the Benchmark DAC3b from their site. $1695 with free shipping and 30 day money-back trial. I’m anxious to see what differences it may produce. 

@david_ten

One wonders, is the "condescension" earned or a reward???

Words to ponder… you should meet my local dealer, I think you would enjoy his company ;-)

Oh Elizabeth… the fuel to braise a DAC is as integral as a power cord. The hickory with its massive sound stage, the burled walnut with its almost tangible bass and the maples with those seductive mid-tones. But, when it comes to braising tuners - I just toss them in a pan with some pine cones.