Do I need a DAC

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  • boxer82003
    Senior Member
    • Apr 2006
    • 121
    #1

    Do I need a DAC

    I'm really not sure if I would benefit from a DAC. I listen to my music played through my MacMini using plex as well listen/watch music videos through Youtube.

    So I'm curious if a DAC would be beneficial. Any thoughts?
    Main Linn Ninka
    Center Linn AV5120
    Rear Linn Ninka
    Sub B&W ASW 650

    Processor Rotel RSP-1570
    Amp Rotel RMB-1075
    Tags: None
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    • Kal Rubinson
      Super Senior Member
      • Mar 2006
      • 2109
      #2
      Depends. How is the MacMini connected to the RSP-1570? If it is analog, you should switch to a digital link and reconsider. The only real answer would be obtained by borrowing a DAC from your dealer for a trial.
      Kal Rubinson
      _______________________________
      "Music in the Round"
      Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile
      http://forum.stereophile.com/category/music-round
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        • boxer82003
          Senior Member
          • Apr 2006
          • 121
          #3
          Its connected through HDMI.
          Main Linn Ninka
          Center Linn AV5120
          Rear Linn Ninka
          Sub B&W ASW 650

          Processor Rotel RSP-1570
          Amp Rotel RMB-1075
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            • Kal Rubinson
              Super Senior Member
              • Mar 2006
              • 2109
              #4
              Originally posted by boxer82003
              Its connected through HDMI.
              Well, I would not expect just any DAC would be worth the bother as it would have to be superior to those in the Rotel.
              Kal Rubinson
              _______________________________
              "Music in the Round"
              Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile
              http://forum.stereophile.com/category/music-round
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                • mjb
                  Super Senior Member
                  • Mar 2005
                  • 1483
                  #5
                  Originally posted by boxer82003
                  So I'm curious if a DAC would be beneficial. Any thoughts?
                  The answer is probably not, unless you're after something extra, like DSD.

                  Okay, a MacMini is restricted to 24/96, but the benefits of "more", is extremely subjective. If you spend time googling your setup, you'll probably end up wanting to open your wallet, but the rules of diminishing returns mean you might not hear a dramatic difference, despite significant outlay.

                  I use a Mac mini and HDMI output directly connected to an SSP-800. I've tried various external DAC's, and USB to S/PDIF converters, but the simple (2 device) solution is - for me - the best. But.... I have an SSP-800. That still doesn't stop me from wondering if a CP-800 would be better, lol.
                  - Mike

                  Main System:
                  B&W 802D, HTM2D, SCMS
                  Classé SSP-800, CA-2200, CA-5100
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                    • PewterTA
                      Moderator
                      • Nov 2004
                      • 2901
                      #6
                      The answer is yes.

                      But it's prefaced by how much you want to spend. I left my Rotel as a DAC a long time ago and I can say it can't come close to what a good DAC can do (DSD or not). But you will spend some money to do that...
                      Digital Audio makes me Happy.
                      -Dan
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                        • mjb
                          Super Senior Member
                          • Mar 2005
                          • 1483
                          #7
                          Originally posted by PewterTA
                          I left my Rotel as a DAC a long time ago and I can say it can't come close to what a good DAC can do (DSD or not).
                          Dan, can you share some good suggestions? IMO, a different audio "signature" may not be necessarily "better", but I'm also really open to try new suggestions.
                          - Mike

                          Main System:
                          B&W 802D, HTM2D, SCMS
                          Classé SSP-800, CA-2200, CA-5100
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                            • TimbaLand
                              Senior Member
                              • Aug 2013
                              • 139
                              #8
                              Hi Pewter

                              What DAC do you use?
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                                • TimbaLand
                                  Senior Member
                                  • Aug 2013
                                  • 139
                                  #9
                                  Originally posted by Kal Rubinson
                                  Well, I would not expect just any DAC would be worth the bother as it would have to be superior to those in the Rotel.
                                  What about the RDD1580? Will it be cumulatively better than the onboard DAC in his RSP1570?
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