2. pc-audio
  3. 138269-118462

Could I make use of a DAC with my setup?

I stream music (Spotify Premium) from my PC via 3.5mm cable into a Parasound P5 preamp, which is hooked to a Parasound A23 amp, and from there to Klipsch Fortes that I purchased new in 1986, I think. 

I had the impression that if I use a DAC before the P5 preamp, the DAC's output would be "reprocessed" by the DAC in the preamp, and, therefore, useless.

Is my impression correct?  Thanks!
forsooth

Showing 8 responses by djones51

djones51
617 posts
 
For example you connect a cdp to the P5 on analog 1 on the P5 it is processed by the cdp dac. You connect the same cdp to digital in coax you use the dac on the P5 it's the same deal with an exteranl dac just connect analog in.
djones51
617 posts
 
In your example you would do ....PC >dac> any analog input P5 > A23.  In this case you bypass the P5 dac. Whether you would notice any improved SQ , well you would have to determine that. 
djones51
617 posts
 
If you connect the external dac to analog in you bypass the dac on the P5 if you connect to any digital in on the P5 you use the P5 dac.
djones51
617 posts
 
Just curious was there a reason you never connected the PC to the usb on the P5?
djones51
617 posts
 
Ah OK , I never tried the usb on my integrated amp I just stream through it's lan port. Thought it would have been easier to use the usb but I understand about trying to get old computers to play nice. 
djones51
617 posts
 
I too am waiting to try Qobuz I hope my integrated amp will support it like it does Tidal. For info purposes my amp is a Micromega M100 which is a streamer as well makes things a bit easier. I am all for ease of use. 
djones51
617 posts
 
That's why I was curious as to why you  didn't use the usb on the P5. Since you have plans to upgrade the computer you could continue what you do and when you get a new computer try it with usb if it doesn't perform like you want then try a seperate dac. The dac in the P5 is a pretty good one.
djones51
617 posts
 
No this is the only micromega product I have owned.  I got it for the room correction the streaming capabilities was a surprise. It connects to my library, internet radio, tidal I am hoping they add Qobuz. 
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