2. digital
  3. 176963-173734

Internal DAC quality vs external DAC's

Considering what path/options to take on a 2channel streaming setup !!!

 

I'm considering integrated amps from the likes of Hegal H120/H190, Peachtree Nova 150, Anthem STR and the NAD M10 V2

I would like to hear some opinions on their internal DAC's and how they would compare to external DAC's under $1500. (Aries 2 and Bitfrost seem to be a popular choices.)

Or perhaps the better question might be, What price point would best the internal DAC's of these units ?

I'm not looking for exact detail, just some information to help guide me through the integrated vs separates debate. 

rockophile221
tweak1
3,553 posts
 

Check out the Parasound Hint

rockophile221 OP
3 posts
 

Yes, another all in one with a DAC !!!

Could you please give a/some comparison to it's internal DAC...... 

flyfish77
40 posts
 

My experience with a Rotel RA1570 integrated amplifier has been that I had to go to DAC's in the price range of the Denefrips Ares II or Schiit BiFrost to get better sound than the internal DAC.   I tried several $400 DACs and none of them sounded better than the Rotel's DAC using either USB or COAX interfaces.  It could be different with other integrated amplifiers.

It is important to note that better DAC's can have superior USB interfaces, filters, linear power supplies, and other features that integrated amplifiers don't have.  Those features can make a difference. 

I hope that this helps.

 

 

mahler123
3,063 posts
 

I haven't hear a pre amp/DAC combination (unless you regard AVRs in that category.  I am sure that there are some combo players that sound excellent.  However as others have noted DAC technology changes rapidly; amplifier tech not so much.  Personally i would want them to be seperate to be able to take advantages of these changes.

More to discover