dortmunder wrote:
Is there much to be gained by inserting a DAC into one's system? The X10 'as is' along with my amp and speakers gives great sound...
Hey dortmunder, I can assure you that a decent DAC will definitely improve the sound quality from the X10.
If you are thinking of trying a separate DAC then I would suggest borrowing a few from your local Hi-Fi dealer. Preferably at a range of different price points,
from cheep and cheerful to downright expensive. Even though you are probably not going to buy a very expensive DAC. It should give you a benchmark to get
close to in terms of sound quality, but at a more realistic price.
Instead of buying a DAC to add to your existing system you should also try one of the many network streaming players/amplifiers.
These normally have an optical input which you can use for the X10, and the ones that I have heard sound very good indeed.
This could give you better sound quality than a separate DAC and your existing amplifier, at around the same price.
It's an option that anyone who is happy with their current Hi-Fi wouldn't normally consider, but it could easily be a great value upgrade for the whole system
and not just the X10.