Is a DAC Worth It With Airport Express


Hi - hoping I can get some guidance on DAC and whether or not I need one. My current system:

Onkyo SR608
KEF Surround Speakers 3500SE
MacBook Pro w/iTunes

I play my iTunes library on my Onkyo receiver / KEF speakers via Airport Express.

I recently saw the PS Audio Digital Link III available at a pretty reasonable price. I know that this type of DAC (and others I'm sure) make CDs sound better, but I never use any of my CDs anymore. I listen to all my music as described above and use Apple Lossless whenever possible.

Would my setup benefit from the PS Audio product? I would imagine the setup would be Airport Extreme --> PS Audio --> Onkyo Receiver, correct?

Or is the DAC on my Onkyo fine as it is and the PS Audio just a waste of money?

Thanks so much!!!
cg27288

Showing 1 response by shadorne

Go for an asynchronous type DAC and you will get an audible improvement. Not night and day but usually audible if you listen very carefully/crticallu. I have used a Benchmark DAC1 with AE and heard an improvement. It is like removing noise - everything is a little clearer with less hash.