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Why a separate DAC?

Hey folks,

I recently finished upgrading all of my equipment. I settled on an Arcam AVR (which is amazing), and KEF R-series speakers for my front mains. I've been debating if I should get a separate DAC, but based on what I've read, my AVR already has a DAC in it. Is there any point in getting a separate one to handle processing the signal, is the benefit incremental, or is there a potential to unlock even better sound?
unctonythetiger
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czarivey
5,691 posts
 
I purchased separate DAC-pre that has multiple digital inputs as one of the reason. It's all I actually need ONE input for analogue and rest of inputs are digital.
Another reason you can find cheap player with good transport and digital out, mate it with good dac and save lots $.
mesch
3,402 posts
 
The extent that you would benefit from an external DAC would depend on use of system for music vs. video and what sources you listen to, CD vs. DVD/BD vs. computer.
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unctonythetiger OP
12 posts
 
Thanks folks - this confirmed what I thought. When I was researching I wanted to build a system with a tilt towards HT, but could be somewhat HiFi too. Arcam had the lowest THD I could find, and the wattage, sensitivty(?), etc seemed pretty good. That said I feel like Bluray (DTS-MA/Dolby TrueHD) content sound amazing, but I feel like the music is not as good as it could be. Perhaps I'll give one of these a go. Stick with Arcam, despite the mild scoff above, or try something else? Mainly using for iTunes content (the humanity!).

Oh and btw, can't overstate how amazing movies sound without separate components.
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