Why buy a DAC when you have a high end pre/pro?

Sorry I've been late to respond back, Puerto. I was agreeing with your original point. What I stated about ADC applies when the chain is Digital Source > DAC > Processor > ADC > processing > DAC. In other words, if you have a digital out from the source and you throw a DAC in the chain before the processor, it may well be that the processer immediately (and without option) does an ADC. This would be the case with Meridian for example.

I guess I meant to say that adding a DAC in that specific instance is actually a negative since it causes two more conversion steps to occur.

But for many (those without high quality digital domain processors) the outboard DAC is better than a cheap one that my be "onboard." But only if they have an analog pass through (that avoids the ADC - DAC step in the processor). Sorry I was not more lucid!

Kjweisner: No Problem - I got it now! We are on the same page.

Bmdduck: Your thinking is perfectly logical. Putting your Pre/Pro to the test first seems to be the best first step. One can always add a DAC (and more money) if the pre/pro is not living up to the listeners expectations. I certainly don't mean to imply that money spent on a good DAC like the Benchmark or Bel Canto, for example, is a waste of money. . . It may very well be the next step up the ladder for those who want more! My budget tells me exactly how much I can't live without!