2. digital
  3. 140578-116832

To DAC or not to DAC?

I’ve been very happy with my system for a few years now and hadn’t thought much about any additions. It’s not the best but respectable and enjoyable. (Mcintosh MC 207, MX122, MR85, MB100,OPPO 205, Dared MC-7P tube preamp for Marantz TT15s1 with B&W 803’s & 805’s) I have no intention of giving up any media source and have large collections of LP’s CD’s and DVD’s, but have recently been spending more time with streaming. I enjoy HT and 2 channel music listening. I recently stopped in to my local retailer, who tried to explain what hidden gems I was missing by not having a separate and dedicated DAC. I run my Oppo with HDMI to the MX122 and the MB100 with XLR’s. The retailer was directing me towards a Mytek or Moon DAC. I’m looking for other’s opinions on whether it might make a dramatic difference over my present system. Please let me know your thoughts.


gwbeers
gwbeers OP
62 posts
 

@mzkmxcv

Thanks for the direction. I ordered the Benchmark DAC3b from their site. $1695 with free shipping and 30 day money-back trial. I’m anxious to see what differences it may produce. 


@david_ten

One wonders, is the "condescension" earned or a reward???

Words to ponder… you should meet my local dealer, I think you would enjoy his company ;-)


elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
"Audio Dealers" should be a whole 'nother thread.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
david_ten
2,509 posts
 
OP raised it and was very specific, both in terms of how he described his dealer and his own behaviour.

We can take his word, which may well be on the mark. Or...

In my experience, ’dealers’ come in all types but they do have this common wonderful ability to sniff out and react to those that are wasting their time.

With respect to the OP’s query, I suggest reading up on the myriad threads related to DACs to find your answer(s).

As stated:

I’m looking for other’s opinions on whether it might make a dramatic difference over my present system.

No one but the OP can address this.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
david_ten
2,509 posts
 
The Benchmark is perfect since it is tax free, ships free, and is returnable...and in the Holiday Spirit you are not harming a dealer in the process. : )
mzkmxcv
558 posts
 
@gwbeers 
 
🤘 
 
And yes, I wouldn’t buy from anyplace that didn’t have a good return policy. Now, return shipping is something I’d pay if I knew it was amazing for the price (or else it would get factored in to a degree anyway), but I’ve seen places charge large re-stocking fees, even brick and mortar ones.
More to discover