This is an interesting question regardless of price ($500 or $5,000). I think what it will come down to is room correction. I can tell you that when my DAC/preamp died, I started to run my music server (through a SPDIF converter) into my Integra Processor. To my surprise, the sound, once Audyssey corrected for room issues (despite the room being treated), was excellent. It may be audiophile sacrilege, but I am wondering if a very average processor with room correction could outperform a high end DAC in a non-perfect room. I am going to test this out over the holidays with Direc software and a borrowed DAC. It should be fun. If anyone has tried this already, please let me know.
Seperate DAC or New AVR?
Hello,
Looking for advice on which would be better bang for the buck upgrade for improved music performance: 1) A separate DAC like the VDAC or maybe the W4S UDAC, or 2) a new AVR like the Marantz NR1403.
System currently is Axiom M22 Mains (Also part of a 5.1) currently powered by a Pioneer VSK 1014 receiver (model year 2005 has the mofset amplifiers and had a bit of buzz when purchased due to these amps) with music feed from a Squeezebox unit with full FLAC files.
Need to keep this under $500 and still retain full HT duty (so can't go with a stereo integrated).
Please let me know your thoughts.
Looking for advice on which would be better bang for the buck upgrade for improved music performance: 1) A separate DAC like the VDAC or maybe the W4S UDAC, or 2) a new AVR like the Marantz NR1403.
System currently is Axiom M22 Mains (Also part of a 5.1) currently powered by a Pioneer VSK 1014 receiver (model year 2005 has the mofset amplifiers and had a bit of buzz when purchased due to these amps) with music feed from a Squeezebox unit with full FLAC files.
Need to keep this under $500 and still retain full HT duty (so can't go with a stereo integrated).
Please let me know your thoughts.