What's Benefit of DAC ???

[SunWarrior]

My main source is an Arcam CD93 player. Its built-in digital-to-analog converter upsamples Red Book CDs to 192-kHz, 24-bit audio.

So, what would the benefit of an external DAC be for that source? Thinking of boxes like the Benchmark DAC-1 or the PS Audio Digital Link III Audio DAC.

Since the Arcam's DAC already upsamples, tell me why I might want to spend $1K for such a device. What else would a DAC box do?

Dave, who would certainly consider an external DAC if real SQ improvement were likely

[slwiser]

You don't need one...Your Arcam CD93 is fine the way it is. Don't worry be happy...with what you have.

[bhjazz]

I'm with the wiser...with the Arcam you likely do not need a DAC. The idea behind a dac is to take a digital signal and have a different component do the conversion. Many CD players today compromise on parts to keep the unit at a particular price point. Some times the parts affected are for the dac. Purchasing a dac allows you to keep your cd player, use it as a transport, and update the dac stage with new parts.

[krmathis]

The main reason for using an external DAC is to improve sound quality.
Since you separate the transport and DAC you also have the option of upgrading one of them without the other.

[vcoheda]

external dacs are generally used with computer based systems, stand alone transports, or cd players with poor dacs (think 1-bit). they are also used with decent cd players which are not balanced and where the external dac is, or for any purpose where the external dac is top of the line. for single ended use, your arcam should be sufficient.

[Dr.Love]

Having skimmed some info on your player; I don't think you need a DAC, the one in your player is highly regarded.

Enjoy.

[ricmat]

man! I wish my laptop had just half a dac you have there!...

Go straight for a decent amp!