the DAC1 card is just ok but the DAC2 baord is very good in comparison. probably need a $2500+ outboard DAC to beat it. You may want to price the DAC2 board upgrade for your mac, it also adds some very nice conectivity for a TV through the e-arc input also has usb input, very flexaable.
Which DAC - Streamer or Preamp?
I’m finally indulging my audio-curious nature and beginning to build a listening room along with a higher-end two-channel system. I managed to snag a McIntosh C-47 preamp and an MC-312 amp, both used for decent prices. For now, I’ll be listening through a pair of Klipsch Heresy (1980) back by a pair of REL T/7x in a 16x24 basement space (sadly, with a low ceiling). I also just bought an Eversolo DMP-A6. So my question is, should I run balanced lines from the Eversolo, or should I run the digital feed to the C-47 for processing? I know that the right answer is "try both and go with with you like." But I am also curious what ’should’ be better on paper, or what some of you with much more experience than I have would say. Thanks for your thoughts!