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DAC upgrade?

Hello, I was hoping to get some insight and opinions on upgrading my DAC. I currently am using a Rotel A14 integrated amp and am using the internal DAC of the Rotel. I can't seem to find any specifics regarding the DAC other than its an 

AKM 32-bit/ 768kHz Digital to Analog Converter. The amplifier is powering a pair of Totem Staff speakers and do most of my listening with digital lossless media (ALAC, FLAC) output from a Mac mini and using Audirvana.

I certainly do not consider myself an audiophile but I do enjoy good sounding music. Do you think upgrading my DAC would be beneficial? I wasn't wanting to spend too much on a DAC but was wondering if something like the Schiit Modi multibit, Topping D50 or comparable would provide a better/different sound?


Thanks in advance and look forward to your comments.

downingp
erik_squires
15,647 posts
 
While DAC chips aren't all implemented the same way, I'm a big fan of the AKM DAC's. 

I think for now if that's your budget you should sit tight and spend your money on more music, or maybe some nice headphones.
mlsstl
1,378 posts
 
I am very fond of the Schiit multibit DACs (I have a Bifrost) -- I prefer the sound of ladder DACs over the Delta-Sigma options.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,595 posts
 
Agree with @erik_squires. Your existing DAC is quite good at that price point. I owned a Topping dac and I can tell you that you won't hear any improvement. Have not heard the Schiit DAC.
jaytor's avatar
jaytor
742 posts
 
I also think you're better off waiting until you can justify spending a bit more. While the Modi Multibit MAY be a bit better than the internal DAC, I doubt it would be much of an improvement. 

There are a number of DACs that retail closer to $1000 that are very nice (I'm a fan of Denafrips and their Aries II is $800 or so, but there are a lot of other options). You might be able to find one of these used in the $500 to $600 range that would be a noticeable improvement over what you have now.
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