Can I connect directly to a receiver's DAC ?


Surround receivers like Yamaha RX-V3300 have DAC built in - can I connect a computer soundcard (that has an RCA or spdif digital out) directly to it by an RCA or spdif cable, to play music from a computer ?

Or I cannot access the DAC from such a soundcard ?

I know this sounds very basic, but please enlighten me ...

and how are the DACs usually, in upscale surround receivers from Yamaha or Denon, compare to stand alone DACs ?

Thanks in advance ...
gonglee3

Showing 1 response by ejliu

IMO, it's not easy to compare outboard DAC to internal DAC inside the receiver.

Internal DAC has the benefit of having direct connection to preamp/amp stage without going through additional connector/cables. A secondary benefit with today's surround receiver is build in room correction and sub woofer cross over support in the digital domain.

External DAC is usually used in much higher quality separates system that already had better preamp/amp stage.

Connect an external DAC into the receiver will be a good comparison, but that is rarely done since most people who purchse surround receiver will not buy an external DAC. And the analog input stage of a receiver is not likely to on par with separates.

Basically I would suggest that you need to spend tons of money to get some sonic beneft from external DAC and it usually involve getting something more than a typical surround receiver.