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A DAC into a DAC?

Help me understand the signal path and clarify my options…

A little background: my digital source feeds into a pre-pro which I am using as a pre-amp only. It has Burr-Brown 24/192 DACs, (I don’t know which ones, nor can I bypass them). I am converting to a 2 channel system, which would include a new DAC, but I believe my pre-pro is limiting my options if I keep it in the chain.

Here’s my understanding: If I insert (between my source and the pre-pro), a new DAC that’s SUPERIOR to the pre-pro’s DAC, I assume that the pre-pro would limit or degrade the SQ of the new DAC. Correct? Is feeding the signal from the pre-pro an option in this case?

And if I insert some INFERIOR DAC into the chain, I assume that I couldn’t hear it at all, (preventing A/B comparisons). Another waste. Correct?

With my current set up, it seems like either I would have to abandon the idea of A/B comparisons of any new DACs OR that if I wanted to A/B, I would need to commit to a DAC that also functions as a pre-amp, or else buy a new pre-amp, which I don’t want)… Am I on the right track?

Thanks!
Michael
mkh1099
mkh1099 OP
15 posts
 
Thanks for your responses so far!

The Pre-pro is an Onkyo PR-SC885, and I assume it's of pretty good quality with those Burr-Brown's.

As for the outboard DAC, I am hoping to A/B several, and I haven't bought one yet. But the Wyred 4 Sound DAC2 is at the top of a short list.

Michael
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Most modern DACs like the DAC2 have a HT bypass input.

You can hook the Onkyo's preamp output to the DAC2's HT bypass input.

The DAC2 then feeds the power amps.

When you are listening to 2 channel sources, use the DAC2 (with your digital sources feeding the DAC2).

When you are watching a movie, switch the DAC2 to the HT bypass input, and the Onkyo will play the left and right channels through it (at unity volume gain) to the L and R speakers. You may need to run Audyssey again on the Onkyo to ensure the volume levels are set correctly.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"The Pre-pro is an Onkyo PR-SC885, and I assume it's of pretty good quality with those Burr-Brown's."

I would not consider the Onkyo good quality just because it uses a particular chip. Its the design, implementation and particularly the power supplies and regulators that make a good DAC.

I have owned a lot of mid-fi stuff in my 40+ years of upgrading, including Onkyo and Denon. Not even in the same league as good audiophile grade equipment. Sounds like stereo, not music.

I have listened to the most expensive SS procs and non of them stack up to a good DAC.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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