why use a dac?

For better sound .

- for better sound
- to use DAC as a preamp (I do)
- some DACs have headphone amp (my Benchmark DAC1 does)
- to connect computer, HDTV, DVD etc.
- to use flexibility of a server
- to go higher than 16bit/44.1kHz
- to play different formats like mp3, DVD-Audio
- to be independent from CDP transport failure (it happened to me)

Investing in CDP might be risky since CD stores are empty, sales are down and some companies already stopped making CDs (like Linn). Future is in downloads.

For fun,varity,and to feed my obsessive/compulsive sickness to buy and evaluate audio equipment!

My reason is to be able to use 5disc transports and have decent sound. I have a pile of fives, and use them a lot. I have actually worn out 3 different changers after tens of thousands of hours each..
Anyway, DACs are fun. the combination of connections cables and stuff provide endless opportunities to "fool around" which is a part of this hobby.
(Some prefer the minimalist system: a source, a pre,and amp, speakers, keeping it as small and as high quality as possible). I am of the 'more is better' camp. I have many of each type of component and play around with them endlessly.