PS3 -> DAC -> Receiver. Surround Advantage?

[Randell]

A guy in a hi-fi shop suggested that a good DAC would be the next logical upgrade to get the most dramatic improvement out of my system.

For music, I run this:

FLAC via DLNA network server -> PS3 -> Yamaha receiver -> B&W 683s.

So the proposed change would be this:

FLAC via DLNA network server -> PS3 -> DAC -> Yamaha receiver -> B&W 683s.


I understand that a DAC like Cambridge DacMagic or Musical Fidelity A3-24 will only process stereo music. So it would compliment my music listening.

However, what about movies/games in 5.1/7.1?? Will I have to bypass the DAC and go straight to the receiver with this signal?

If so, then a DAC will only benefit me on stereo sources which, of course, only a portion of my HT use. I'd rather invest in something that improves the general sound over all sources.

[theblue]

I would look for a different path from your server to the DAC, keep the PS3 for surround.

[KahunaCanuck]

A guy in a hi-fi shop suggested that a good DAC would be the next logical upgrade to get the most dramatic improvement out of my system.

For music, I run this:

FLAC via DLNA network server -> PS3 -> Yamaha receiver -> B&W 683s.

So the proposed change would be this:

FLAC via DLNA network server -> PS3 -> DAC -> Yamaha receiver -> B&W 683s.


I understand that a DAC like Cambridge DacMagic or Musical Fidelity A3-24 will only process stereo music. So it would compliment my music listening.

However, what about movies/games in 5.1/7.1?? Will I have to bypass the DAC and go straight to the receiver with this signal?

If so, then a DAC will only benefit me on stereo sources which, of course, only a portion of my HT use. I'd rather invest in something that improves the general sound over all sources.

Yes, the DAC is only going to improve your 2 channel sound, nothing else. If you want to improve all of the channels you will need to look at a new receiver, processor, or new amps or a combination. For example, you could start with a new amp, keep your Yammy for the processor and look at eventually upgrading the Yammy with a new processor or receiver.

For best bang for the buck you could look at trying a Emotiva amp and see if you like the sound?

Best of luck! :T

[Randell]

that would bring me back to my original plan to get a new power amp. I guess the surround sound DAC that I would need would actually be a full preamp/processor. I'll probably stick with the Yammy for now though since its only 6 months old.