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On board or outboard DAC?

Folks,
I use an Ayre c-5xeMP universal disc player. My DAC is a Simaudio Moon 300D. The digital out on the player is AES/EBU while the DAC input is S/PDIF. My question is, would I see any benefit from using the 300D to convert to analog over the internal DAC on the Ayre. Obviously I would have to source a cable. I'm not sure it is worth the hassle. Can anyone share their thoughts? I use the balanced outputs from the 300D to my pre-amp.
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Showing 1 response by williewonka

williewonka
3,063 posts
 
Just from the perspective of flexibility and adaptability I would opt for the outboard DAC.

That way I can...
- use the IC's I believe provide the best sonic performance
- use the best Power cables  I believe is best suited to the component
- change to another DAC as the technology improves

Inboard DACs may be constrained by "design decisions" that are based more on implementation costs than sonic performance - even in some high end gear unfortunately.
- Also, having the DAC share the power supply with a power hungry amp stage  may not be the best solution, sonically or operationally

Regards...
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