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KEF LS50 Wireless Internal vs External DAC ??

I am finding my KEF LS50 Wireless to sound warmer, fuller, and more spacious, with better resolution of image location, when running my streamer (Audio Alchemy DMP-1/PS-5 power supply) to Audio Alchemy DDP-1 DAC/Preamp into its RCA inputs (which are then internally converted via ADC and again DAC) than I am running my streamer direct to the speakers via USB.
Given the numerous redundant conversions at play, I speculate that the ADC conversion is so much more transparent than I imagined and that the internal DAC in the KEFs is so much worse than I expected that I would recommend others use a high-quality external DAC with these speakers (even if they are to be internally re-DACed within them). 
Anyone have this experience?? Thoughts??
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transience OP
56 posts
 
Hi-Fi News apparently found the same to be true, using the Chord 2QuteHD as an external DAC. It seems there is now consensus on this issue.
bug8434
2 posts
 
With Hugo as an external DAC and run RCA into KEF LS50 wireless, it sounds more spacious and detailed.
However, there is a big problem which made me come back to use USB rather than RCA port.
When I use Hugo, the vocal is apparently not as clear as internal DAC, this is a huge difference, you need not AB test to tell the difference.
I think buy some USB isolation gear EX:Schiit wyrd and Singxer UIP-1 is the best way to make LS 50 wireless Hifiest
sfseay's avatar
sfseay
496 posts
 
With an external DAC you can upgrade.  I’m happy with my LS50s ands Auralic Vega DAC since I have a lot of DSD files and the LS50 wireless can’t play them.
mavvrik
10 posts
 
hello, i've used the ELAC Discovery music server connected to the KEF LS50 W and i can confirm that the RCA connection nets the best sound.
Noticeably better than when using the KEF's DAC via the Optical connection.

I can only assume that the LS50 W DAC is not comparable to outboard DACs and dedicated music servers.
sfroyen
7 posts
 
I believe the analog signal on the RCA ports is run through an ADC, processed by the digital filters and then by the internal DACs. Quite possibly they will sound different but it's not because you are bypassing the internal DACs.
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