Benefits of an external DAC

Wisdom in that last post shadorne re: expectations. IME, there are the step-function improvements that result from moving step by step from mi-fi to hi-fidelity equipment, especially speakers and sources. Also getting the room right. Lots of "Holy Cow" moments during that phase. Lots of fun. This is the "audio enthusiast" phase.

Then the path becomes one of discovering the strengths and weaknesses of what was created in phase one. Some changes are usually inevitable depending on how wisely you chose and frankly how lucky you were re: the extent that changes are necessary. Lots of fallout in this phase so I think of it as the "sorting out" phase, both of equipment and also "the listener" that has now evolved (or fallen away).

Once that is sorted, then comes the phase of "the serious listener", comparing different very-good to excellent source components, improvements in cabling and the quality of AC power, vibration elimination, etc. Differences/improvement is often subtle compared to the earlier phase, but are just as significant to a serious listener as these things then determine whether you created a microscope, a telescope or merely some sunglasses.

All along the way, one learns, or should learn, not to hastily judge changes as it is almost always a mistake.

I do not agree however with prescribing things such as whether or not to use a preamp between DAC and amplifier as there are too many variables in each system and listener preferences, so others should simply be encouraged to experiment and decide for themselves.

Dave

Oppos only good for background music? That's some serious elitism right there. They're great sounding digital players at their price and are fine for serious listening. I'm sure the chord Dave is better.. doesn't mean you have to dis a lower priced product that is an established solid player.

OP - I'm interested to see if you'll drop the coin on a high price DAC. If you do, please post back with impressions. I'm unendingly curious about this stuff.

The tube DAC may be different but is not necessarily superior. Did you measure the frequency response? CD red book is the product of the largest research effort ever into audio reproduction, by one the worlds best physics labs of the time.The DAC chips inside these modern external DACs are manufactured by a handful of chip makers, and have now all reached audio perfection at very low cost (they only cost a few dollars each if bought in volume). Implementation is straightforward as long as the DAC designer follows the instructions of the chip maker. Hence I think your observations are what was to be expected. I did a similiar test with a range of different DACs (some very cheap) in a system with Quad 2805 electrostats. I was unable to discern any difference.

Yes, different, not necessarily better. I do perceive a wider soundstage and more fleshed out midrange, not unlike going from a SS amp to a tube amp.

Thanks for the insights very much.  Some years ago, I was at the CA Audio show and the particular vendors were using a Bricasti DAC, selling for $5K-$6K.  They also had a Jolida Tube DAC which they were able to switch back and forth with the Bricasti DAC.  After a couple of minutes of switching back and forth, I looked that the fellow doing the demo and simply shrugged my shoulders... they both sounded the same to me.  He heard the same thing I heard and agree the Jolida was quite good. 

I figure others are right that if i move up the food chain of DACs, I will hear a difference... whether that difference is better or not is subjective.  The cost of such a DAC is out of my sensible budget for audio gear.  What amazes me it that I hear absolutely no difference with or without my CIA DAC in the path.  There is not one aspect the music that is different with the DAC in the path.  Literally, the sound is indistinguishable to my 64 year old hear. How swapping my McCormack amp for my Pass Labs amp yields sonic difference that I could spent a long time describing.  Same thing with tube rolling... the differences are immediate and often very dramatic.   

I am going to audition the modestly-priced Denafrips AresDAC in my system soon to see if it creates the sort of sonic wonders that devotees of external DAC's are hearing.  If not, I conclude that I will be happy living with the sound of the Oppo sans DAC.  Thanks again for the comments.