I want to upgrade my dac.

steve59

steve59

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Joined
Mar 5, 2017
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chicago burbs
A local dealer is telling me upgrading from the dac1 in my mac c49 would be inaudible. True my hearing sensitivity drops like a rock after 11 khz, but really?
 
What is your budget for a DAC aside from the required additional power cord and digital interconnect? Can a C49 handle the DACII module? I am not sure that is a worthwhile move but it would be the least expensive. I would tend to go with an external DAC.
 
I tend to agree with GSophile, it seems we should be able to appreciate the improvements within the range we do hear.

The dealer should be willing to put his DAC where your money is, I mean, have him lend you something so you can hear a comparison. That's the only way you will know. Or, if the dealer has your preamp go in and do some listening, experimenting.

In my case the 526 is a very good preamp, they included a capable DAC. In my opinion it should have been better. I ended up spending the money for an external DAC. Now McIntosh may have an entirely different allocation of expense to go into the preamp and included an excellent DAC. In, addition, I fully believe in having the best source I can. Others feel any ole DAC will do, 1's & 0's etc.

Hope my rambling helped some, LOL

With all that being said you may be satisfied where you are at and not interested in spending more money no matter the result.
 
This dealer is telling me he has nothing that I'd be able hear any reliable difference in. When I've taken speaker wire home there's been occasions when I could hear a slight difference, but not enough to pick a favorite, so if all dac's sound tonally similar enough I'd likely buy the cheaper one, but if a dac offered improved resolution, tighter image placement I'd pay up or buy used.
 
I would suggest you look for a dealer (or an audio friend) who will loan you an external DAC in your price range that he recommends. If your system is sufficiently balanced and resolving, I suspect you will hear a significant difference. Will the difference be enough to your liking for you to buy? Dunno. Is an upgraded DAC the best component upgrade for your system today? Dunno. Your ears, your preferences, your money.
 
FWIW,
I have what many here would consider a modest system. I noticed a very nice difference going to an external DAC. I only play CDs. I had an all-in-one, which died after many years. I realized that I didn't want moving parts with my DAC... So then picked up the same co's DAC and a separate CD transport. The improvement was not subtle. I'm 60 and my ears are probably like yours or maybe worse. Not sure of your budget.

I agree with all of the above to try a few out to see if it's worth it.
 
steve59 said:
This dealer is telling me he has nothing that I'd be able hear any reliable difference in. When I've taken speaker wire home there's been occasions when I could hear a slight difference, but not enough to pick a favorite, so if all dac's sound tonally similar enough I'd likely buy the cheaper one, but if a dac offered improved resolution, tighter image placement I'd pay up or buy used.
Click to expand...

Seems if the dealer doesn't have anything better and you aren't missing anything when listening then table the idea. If not, I'd recommend an audition first or buy with a return window.

I would expect a DAC to better yours will not be cheap.
 
There's a song that I've played many times but recently the drum beats caused a static like distortion to come from the woofers of my speakers. first thing I did was swap out speakers but the distortion remained. I'm streaming and at least need to try a different unit to eliminate the dac as the problem. I will admit I was surprised when he (dealer) told me stepping up to the dac2 wouldn't make a difference.
 
Other options if a dealer won't lend you a DAC is to buy a DAC where they have a very good return policy.

This AVA (Van Alstine) DAC's is one of the best I have heard. It has a 3D holographic sound with a huge sound stage. I reviewed it for the company on the AC forum. They have a 30 day, no questions asked and no restocking fee return policy.

avahifi.com

"DVA Digital Preamplifier" DAC – Audio by Van Alstine

The DVA Digital Preamplifier is easily the best DAC that AVA has ever produced — and is quite possibly the best anywhere. So, if it's a DAC, why are we calling it a "digital preamplifier"? The DVA Digital Preamplifier is a DAC with a variable output level. This means it can be connected directly...
avahifi.com
 
Amplifying the input from others.

Maybe find another dealer you can establish another relationship with?

You need to hear other products, either in a showroom or ideally, in your room. Only you can decide if something sounds better and is in your budget.

The suggestion to buy a product with a return policy is also a good one.
 
For context:

My CD player journey went (over the past 30 yrs):

Marantz CD63
Cary CD303
Primaluna CD player (forgot the model#. Tubes galore).

to now
TEAC 507T transport
Primaluna EVO 100 DAC (I can't help but love tubes).
Cardas Clear cable between
 
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steve59 said:
There's a song that I've played many times but recently the drum beats caused a static like distortion to come from the woofers of my speakers. first thing I did was swap out speakers but the distortion remained. I'm streaming and at least need to try a different unit to eliminate the dac as the problem. I will admit I was surprised when he (dealer) told me stepping up to the dac2 wouldn't make a difference.
Click to expand...
Was your dealer referring to an upgrade of the internal McIntosh DAC module from DAC 1 to DAC 2? Or was he referring to an upgrade to any external DAC?
If the former, I’d say he’s on target. If the latter then I would seek out a dealer or friend willing to lend you a state-of-the-art DAC.
 
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