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.
128x128falconquest

Showing 1 response by yage

I believe the interfaces are compatible, so all you need is a balanced to single-ended converter on the Ayre and a digital coax cable in order to send data to the Simaudio DAC. That being said, I also own a C-5xeMP and I haven't heard a DAC best it in terms of sound quality. If I ever listen to Ayre's new QX-5 Twenty, I may sing a different tune.