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- Preamp, Processor or Receiver
- StormAudio ISP Elite 24 MK3 Processor
- Main Amp
- McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblock Amps
- Additional Amp
- StormAudio PA 16 MK3
- Computer Audio
- Intel NUC w/ Roon ROCK
- Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
- Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player (for media discs)
- Front Speakers
- RTJ 410
- Center Channel Speaker
- MartinLogan Focus C-18
- Front Wide Speakers
- JTR Neosis 110HT
- Surround Speakers
- JTR Neosis 210RT
- Surround Back Speakers
- JTR Neosis 210RT
- Front Height Speakers
- JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
- Rear Height Speakers
- JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
- Subwoofers
- JTR Captivator 2400 x6
- Other Speakers or Equipment
- VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
- Video Display Device
- Sony 98X90L
- Remote Control
- Universal MX-890
- Streaming Equipment
- Kaleidescape | FireCube | Lenova X1 - Intel NUC for Roon
- Streaming Subscriptions
-
Lifetime Roon Subscription
Tidal
qobuz
Netflix
Amazon Prime
- Satellite System
- Dish Joey 4K
- Other Equipment
- Zero Surge 8R15W-1 | Salamander Synergy Equipment Stand
I've seen a lot about DAC's over many years. I remember they use to be extremely expensive and only available to the uber high-end market. Now they seem to be almost a dime a dozen, and really high-end DAC's included in AVR's and UDP's.
I've been considering a DAC that has a USB input and does streaming (just in case I decide to stream Tidal one day). I mainly decode all of my music to a USB thumb drive and listen via my OPPO 205, which is fine, but the 205 doesn't offer streaming.
There are DAC's that support upconverting all inputs to DSD 512 or PCM 768k... and support full MQA decoding. Of course I have no idea if these features are really worth it or not... as personally I'd probably not hear a difference, but it might work on me psychologically... maybe I can convince myself I'm hearing a difference.
But is not the primary benefit of a DAC to convert audio from digital to analog?
The problem I see is I would need to bypass my NAD AVR, since it will only output in the digital domain... it is not analog. If I am going to use a DAC, then I would have to integrate the DAC into my amps directly... so I would need a DAC preamp, but then I'd lose my subwoofer capabiliity... and the use of Dirac Live.
I don't really see a way to use a DAC and get any full benefit out of it along with the full benefit of the rest of my system. What am I overlooking?
I've been considering a DAC that has a USB input and does streaming (just in case I decide to stream Tidal one day). I mainly decode all of my music to a USB thumb drive and listen via my OPPO 205, which is fine, but the 205 doesn't offer streaming.
There are DAC's that support upconverting all inputs to DSD 512 or PCM 768k... and support full MQA decoding. Of course I have no idea if these features are really worth it or not... as personally I'd probably not hear a difference, but it might work on me psychologically... maybe I can convince myself I'm hearing a difference.
But is not the primary benefit of a DAC to convert audio from digital to analog?
The problem I see is I would need to bypass my NAD AVR, since it will only output in the digital domain... it is not analog. If I am going to use a DAC, then I would have to integrate the DAC into my amps directly... so I would need a DAC preamp, but then I'd lose my subwoofer capabiliity... and the use of Dirac Live.
I don't really see a way to use a DAC and get any full benefit out of it along with the full benefit of the rest of my system. What am I overlooking?