Can a cheap DAC improve my Denon streamer?

Posted by: Gavin B on 18 July 2014

I now have a Denon network player (DN109?) connected to my 252 to provide internet radio and very occasional streaming duties. Perhaps not surprisingly, it doesn't sound as good as when I used my Qute for this. I've not really analysed the sound but it sounds a little muffled, and not as sharp as the Qute.

Would a cheap DAC improve this? By cheap I mean something less than £250. How about the Arcam rLink at £150?

Posted on: 18 July 2014 by SamS

The answer is probably yes, any decent dedicated DAC should improve the sound.

If you buy second hand, you could get something very good for the money with limited risk.

My shortlist would be:

Arcam iR DAC

Micromega MyDac

Musical Fidelity M1 DAC or V90 DAC

but there are many others out there.

Happy hunting

Sam

Posted on: 18 July 2014 by Brubacca

I've been hearing good things about the Jolida FX Tube Dac...

I have a local local dealer who has the Jolida and Arcam lines. in the next 4 months I plan on comparing the Fx tube Dac and iRDac

Posted on: 18 July 2014 by Ears To You

I recently added an irDAC to my Sonos Connect and Nait XS2, and it really was money well spent in terms of improving clarity and diminishing that "muffled" aspect. The difference wasn't night and day, but it was clearly audible when switching between the DAC and the Naked Sonos. Cymbals were cleaner, vocals became a bit more focused, and a general crispness was imparted. I bought the mint condition irDAC S/H on eBay, after demoing one at home, so from my limited experience with Sonos and not your Denon, I can say that it is a nice, effective improvement to invest in. Good luck!