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

In my experience an outboard dac is one of the highest return upgrade investments you can make.

Trumpetbri - Some external DAC are jitter rejecting and allow to use cheap transport and cheap digital cable. Benchmark DAC1 or Bel Canto DAC3 are the examples.

I use Benchmark DAC1 connected to very cheap Sony DVD player and digital TV. I'm planning to connect my computer as well (music server). DVD players have very good tracking, play DVD and inherently play MP3. I'm also independent from the transport (easy and cheap to replace). Sound wise it doesn't matter what Benchmark is connected to as long as it is "bit transparent" (doesn't have digital volume control etc.)

Second advantage of this setting is that I drive power amp directly from Benchmark (it has volume control) using only one set of IC. I don't have analog sources but if you do - both Benchmark and Bel Canto make versions with analog inputs as well.

I don't know DAC Magic but I believe it is also jitter suppressing (there is a review in Stereophile on line).

It can't happen without a separate DAC on my system.

Muralman1, I wish my Lambda transport hadn't crapped out. I'd be real curious to hear it with my Playback Designs DAC. Oh well...

Dave

Hi Dave, my Lambda has had a music uplift, and a new wheel change. I have trouble with a faulty door. I know what I have, and I know the really deep overdraw in my budget buying the equal new.

I had to go to an acquaintance in Europe for the wheel.

Vince