DAC OR NO DAC???

I bet you would like the sound of the Denafrips Pontus ($1600 USD) as well as or better than the Yggdrasil and still have $800 in your pocket. 

Dave

@rwrightcpa

You should trade in your Marantz AV7704 for the new Marantz AV8805. The AV8805 will perform and sound better than your 7704. For stereo music playbacks you should use USB to connect your laptop to the pre pro. And use HDMI for AV or video sources.

Besides the Marantz AV8805, I would highly recommend the following AV preamp processors :
* Anthem AVM60.
* Classe Sigma SSP Mk2.
* Classe SSP 800 (discontinued last year and today can be had for around $3500 ish). The SSP 800 has no USB DAC input.
* Lyngdorf MP-50 if it’s in your budget.
* NAD M17 v2.

However, the most ideal scenario would be to get a very good quality stereo integrated amp with HT bypass for your stereo music listening. And you can add a very good quality DAC or a streamer/DAC or streamer + DAC for your stereo music playbacks.
Or some stereo integrated amps have very good built-in DAC and would have USB DAC input.
So, use your AV processor for HT (surround movies) with your McIntosh MC207 multi-channel amp. But the amplifier section of the integrated amp will still be powering your front B&W 804 D3 speakers. There are countless options out there in choosing a very good quality stereo integrated amp.

It will be pointless to add a high end DAC with your Marantz AV7704 processor served as your stereo preamp for your stereo music playbacks. While your Marantz AV7704 is decent for HT use for movies but its stereo performance when used as an analog stereo preamp is lacking.
I would suggest getting a very good quality stereo integrated amp that has HT bypass mode for your stereo music playbacks.

mbag

I hear ya. I just listen to relax with a glass a wine or two:) at the end of the day. I don’t want to be overly critical. If it sounds good to me I am happy. I definitely don’t want to throw money away. If I did go with a new dac there is typically a trial period so if I did not hear a difference I would return it.

Thanks for the input.

caphill

I was thinking of something close to what you have mentioned.

I don't know exactly of all the options I may have since I am not that experienced but I was thinking of leaving my existing setup as is for movies and upgrade my floors and go with a c2600 and a solid state amp ( or some combination that I can enjoy going and listening and researching till then at different shops) and set up another room that is available just for music where I could add the dac/streamer that you say would make a difference in a different setup or with an integrated rather than with my 7704. I will definitely research more.

Thanks for the input.

+1 @caphill -- never underestimate the importance of a good preamp, so it's good to hear you were already looking in that direction.  Goodonya!!!

Whenever you are ready for a DAC, I'll add the Metrum Onyx if you can find one used.  Lots of research and good engineering into these DACs, and the Onyx comes very close to their their much more expensive Pavane and uses a lot of the same technology.  It's an R2R NOS DAC (I think maybe like the Schiit Yggie?), which tends toward a more organic sound if that's something you're looking for.  Anyway, best of luck in your quest!