I just upgraded my MA8900 to the DA2 module and there is a marked difference. Firmware update plus new and better chipset on the DA2 are superior to the DA1 module. IMHO, larger soundstage, more detail and resolution and tighter, more defined low end. Sure, separate DAC will give you more flexibility and maybe more resolution, but the DAC upgrade is around $1000.00 plus install fees so not a bad deal for a lot of improvement.
Is My McIntosh C52 Pre-amp The Weak Link?
I currently stream music, from Qobuz, via an Aurender N10 streamer into a McIntosh C52 pre-amp for D/A conversion, analogue output, into a McIntosh MC312 power amp, driving Magico A5 speakers. SQ IMHO is outstanding/perfect, but, I am an audiophile, so there is no such thing as perfect! Time to upgrade something. It is my opinion the C52 built in DAC is the weak link in the system? Thinking of upgrading the Aurender N10 to an Aurender A20 (streamer with built in DAC) and feed the analogue output into the C52. Your thoughts please, have I correctly identified the weak link in the system?