I use my DAC like a preamp for source switching.. since my linestage doesn’t have source switching.. most DAC’s have multiple input types..
Two Sources, One DAC
Hi all,
Thinking of dusting off my Denon SACD/DVD/CD player. It's a bit dated, so was thinking would I be better off running it through a more modern DAC? If I were to do that is there any reason I cannot also run my Node 2i through it also? I see Schitt has optical, dig coax and USB on a couple of their models, for example. If this is a good idea, any guidance on which connection to use where?
Could be a rookie question, if so feel free to let me know.
Thanks in advance.
USB and I2S inputs will give you the ultra HI-RES options like DSD512 and PCM 384KHz not available in other inputs, usually RCA coax would give up to 24/192KHz (which is very decent by the way) but if you want to try even higher you need USB or I2S. Of course you need to find music in these formats, not available through streaming. I am buying these formats from NativeDSD and for streaming I prefer TIDAL |
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You can connect as many sources to a DAC as there are available inputs on the DAC. Just select the input for the connected device you want to play, and play away. I have digital coax, toslink optical and USB digital sources connected to my DAC, all at the same time. I just select which DAC input I need, and away I go.... |
Thank you @mlsstl @alexopth1512....confirmed what I figured would be the case. Are all DAC's selectable as such? Would really be intrigued to add a tube version to the mix. Thanks! EW |
I have a Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC that has three switchable inputs -- USB plus coax and optical SPDIF. All sound great and I would think an improvement over the built-in DACs in both the Denon and Node. I happen to mainly use the USB input but have tried the others and, assuming the source is equivalent, I don't spot any audible difference. |