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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
canibefrank
104 posts
 
i come here not to bury DAC
but to braise them
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
So... you are saying braising my DAC will improve the sound quality way more than burying it? Any special sauce??? Is this with Hickory? or can I use any fuel?
gwbeers OP
62 posts
 

Oh Elizabeth… the fuel to braise a DAC is as integral as a power cord. The hickory with its massive sound stage, the burled walnut with its almost tangible bass and the maples with those seductive mid-tones. But, when it comes to braising tuners - I just toss them in a pan with some pine cones.


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hk_fan
314 posts
 
Any chance you live in NC?  Sounds a lot like a local dealer I know of.

There's only one way to know what you're missing... try a few.  I'd recommend a highly regarded used one off this site.  If you don't love it chances are you can sell it on and not lose your shirt.

For digital products I'm a fan of Ayre and Esoteric for the higher end, and if you're on a tight budget check out the Micromega MyDac, I've owned one for years and it's a great place to start IMO.

Good luck.
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