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At what point is an external D/A converter warranted or beneficial

Over the years and after multiple "upgrades" I've become disillusioned with digital audio reproduction. As my systems improved in quality/resolution, the digital audio quality has equally deteriorated to where most listening is now done in analog. This makes my CD collection of in excess of 1000 titles pretty much useless. My digital D/A conversion knowledge is pretty much limited to whatever is done by the internal D/A converter of the equipment. That being a Lexicon MC12B processor and Oppo BDP103. As my choices of ICs went from basics to high quality resolution improved with a marked decline in digital SQ. I'm at a point where any Redbook CD presents a harsh, edgy, shrilly, bright, name it what you want, upper frequency. Changing ICs back to basic cables attenuates this along with resolution of the music played. You might say I'm at a loss. Do I live with less resolution or the digital limitations. I do not have this issue playing analog media. Would an external D/A converter be beneficial or a waste of money? 
Systems are: B&W 803D2 and surrounds,  Lexicon MC12B, Oppo BDP 103, AQ Columbia ICs XLR & RCA,  AQ Digital ICs,  Tara Labs speaker cables,  Rogue Pharaoh, VPI Prime . Analog front end shares the L/R front speaker and input from the Oppo. 
Is there such a thing as an external D/A converter for a H/T setup as the Lexicon processor is the oldest piece in the chain with most likely the weakest D/A converter. But how would that connect to avoid the internal processing.
Any suggestions or recommendations?

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Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,662 posts
 
I think that handling your power well and a new DAC are what you need. I'm not sure how the MC 12 does with analog.

Here is my current thinking and experience on AC management:


https://inatinear.blogspot.com/2019/04/power-management-for-frugal-audiophiles.html

Best,
E
erik_squires
15,662 posts
 
Hi OP,
You are describing the sound of digital from yeah, about when the MC12 was created, especially with Redbook.


DACs over the last 10 years are far better and, especially, better with Redbook. Older DACs tended to only sound better as the sampling rate increased.


I'm not sure how well the MC12 does analog, but it should have an analog bypass or analog inputs which bypass all the processing done inside.


If you want to hear how good DACs are today, maybe try a Mytek with 30 day return policy? They have built in volume controls and can be attached directly to your amps.


If you have the chance to audition in person, try listening with headphones. I think you'll be amazed how some of the affordable DACs sound.
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