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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

Showing 3 responses by david_ten

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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. : )
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david_ten
2,509 posts
 
One wonders, is the "condescension" earned or a reward???

My local audio dealer is an elitist and generally condescending - not the best qualities for a retail environment, but I accept his personality and use his establishment as a well stocked, window shopping destination. So the prospect of a loaner or purchase at MSRP plus tax, aren’t very encouraging.

Usually, after I experience the gear I’m interested in, I go online and hunt down the lowest price with no tax and hopefully no shipping. 

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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.
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