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Outboard Dac's...Do they make a big difference?

Hi Folks,
I own a Mcintosh MVP 831 DVD/CD player, and am wondering if a DAC like the PS Audio digital link 3 or Cambridge Dac magic would give this 10 year old player any sonic upgrades. The Mac has a smooth sweet sound, but I'm not sure if resolution is at its best. Thanks for any input on your experiences using DACS.
128x128trumpetbri
celtic66
1,651 posts
 
ABSOLUTELY!!!! Not a big fan of Mac and can promise either of these DACs will improve the resolution, imaging of the player.
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
I'd say yes, but with reservation. I don't know any of the three DACs mentioned. I've used PS Audio in the past with good results and I've heard Mac digital in other contexts and your description of it tending to smooth and sweet doesn't surprise me.

A good external DAC/clock combination (one box or two) can certainly improve on what you've got, but it depends on what you've got and what you're going to. If at all possible, try the proposed DAC in your system, using the Mac's Digital Out. There are much, much better DACs than the two listed.

Dave
barnes
45 posts
 
I recently put a Benchmark DAC on my MC205, Love the upgrade
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