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Advice regarding separate DAC purchase

Greetings all.  I currently have a McIntosh MA8900 Integrated with an onboard DAC1.  I'm considering a purchase of an external DAC from Denefrips , specifically the Pontus ll or possibly the Venus ll. They are R2R DACs that most users have reviewed with very positive comments.

I have not listened to an R2R DAC so I'm asking yinz if this is a good upgrade from my current DAC. I only listen to redbook CDs and Vinyl.  I have not considered streaming at this time and given my music library I'll be staying that way.

Thanks and Happy Listening to all.  Greg

gjohns
jastralfu's avatar
jastralfu
216 posts
 

One last thing, the DAC1 module is a decent DAC and, if you don’t want to spend money on a new one, is more than capable.  Streaming is a fantastic way to listen to and discover new music.

soix
8,764 posts
 

The DAC1 module in Mac gear doesn’t have a great reputation and several here have replaced it with a separate DAC and been very happy with the improvements.  I’d recommend getting the Pontus ll along with either the Iris or Hermes DDC and use the i2S connection that provides a big sonic upgrade.  You won’t be disappointed.

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

Seems there's a consensus among you that this may be closer to a lateral move 

as others have said... don't think this is correct ...

but whether it is worth the op's while given his overall system, i dunno

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