External DAC question

[pmckeealaska]

I'm interested in improving the front end of my system. Given the equipment I have (see sugnature below) would I get any improvement by getting an external DAC? I have read a lot about them, and know what they do, but am unsure whether they are worth it or whether it might be better to consider upgrading to a new universal player (such as a Marantz DV-9500). Any thoughts? How is an external DAC hooked up to a universal player? Do you use an optical cable? Thanks!

[cstpeter]

I added a PS Audio DAC to my Denon 2900 (via coaxial) and had very good results. However, I think digital front-end changes are more subtle than other upgrades.

But why not give it a shot...take advantage of those 30-day return policies. I would also suggest comparing the DAC upgrade to a new amp upgrade and seeing which provides better results.

Also, note a DAC will only be compatible with 2-channel music.

Hope this helps.

[danger boy]

an external DAC hooks up to a CD player or transport via a digital cable.. optical or coax... or balanced audio cable if your CDP has such an output.

[pmckeealaska]

Since my Denon 2900 already has an internal 24 bit DAC, would I really get any sonic improvement by using an external DAC like the PS Audio DAC cstpeter mentioned. cstpeter: did you get noticeable improvement in red book CD sound quality?

[danger boy]

all i can say.. is that an external DAC is probably going to have better parts used in it... it may be subtle... but I think you'd hear a difference.

[pmckeealaska]

OK...not to belabor the point, but would the difference (read improvement) to be had with an external DAC any better than just get a new front end all together, assuming both are equally priced?

[danger boy]

price may have very little to do with it. the build quality and parts used and how they are used all contribute to how well a external DAC performs.

You could have two equally priced DAC's or CDP's... and although they both appear similar, they may sound totally different.

A few people have claimed that when they added an external DAC, they did not hear much of a difference. While other's depending on digital source, have heard significant differences.

[pmckeealaska]

Sounds like there is no clear answer on this matter. Maybe I should just be happy with what I have (which I am!) rather than go out and spend money on something that may or may not provide any sonic improvement. I guess I just have a case of the "upgrades".

[danger boy]

Well most DAC's keep their value pretty well. So if you do venture down that alley.. you could always resell it. and not take a hit.

The DAC i use, uses vacuum tubes.... so whenever I get tired of the sound.. i just swap out the tubes.. and it's like a whole new DAC. :D

[cstpeter]

Since my Denon 2900 already has an internal 24 bit DAC, would I really get any sonic improvement by using an external DAC like the PS Audio DAC cstpeter mentioned. cstpeter: did you get noticeable improvement in red book CD sound quality?

Yes. In my system, it provided a big improvement--but only in red book CD quality, cuz that's all it does. No improvement in SACD, DVD-Audio, Dolby Digital, etc.

That said, I noticed a much bigger improvement when I went from a Rotel 981 (or similiar...it was a 2x200 Rotel) to my current PS Audio GCC-250. If this holds true in your system, then a new amp would yield more immediate results.

My opinion: If you're looking for a noticeable but modest improvement in 2-channel red book sound, then a DAC is a good investment. If you're looking to take your whole system to the next level, then I think you should look at a new amp or pre/pro.

But if you can, give 'em all a try! Never know til you hear it in your system.

[pmckeealaska]

I would certainly hope you would hear an improvement when going from a Rotel to a $3500 amp! My God, I wish I could afford that kind of equipment.

[venomclan]

+1 on the external dac, I use the Bel Canto Dac1.1 with the Denon 2900 and like the combo a lot. An amp will yield more of an improvement in sound, but the ultimate is speaker upgrades.
V

[cstpeter]

Dude, I'm done...good luck.