Hybrid System – Is it worth it? (1 Viewer)

[Doug2000]

I’m toying with idea of building out a separate signal path (separate from my Marantz preamp based HT System) for 2-Channel Music that uses a higher end DAC (but leverages the same front speakers and subwoofers). My HT system is new and since setup I’ve spent equal time watching movies vs listening to music. I enjoy both! I really have no issue with the music sound out of the Marantz but there is always that thought back-of-mind of maybe it would sound better on a higher end DAC.

I mostly listen to music via files on a PC (everything from mp3, ripped CDs up to high resolution FAC files and maybe in the future DSD).

Although there are other advantages - the main advantage would be to bypass the Marantz DAC and use a higher end 2-channel DAC for music.

I’m wondering if it will be worth it - and so I’m asking those folks who have done this if they feel it was worth it to them. Not from a cost perspective, but from a sound quality perspective. Do you hear a difference (better resolution hopefully)? Do you feel it was worth the added complexity it brings to the system?

Any other comments or discussion on the topic is welcome.

 

[JohnRice]

I’ve had a hybrid system for decades, using different methods. My hope now is to get a good enough preamp to eliminate it. The equipment I’m using now is no longer made.

There are a lot of different ways to do it, but using subs eliminates most options.

And yes, it can be worth doing, for me at least. It’s just silly to most people.

I think Cambridge makes a stereo preamp/DAC that can be integrated into your surround system.

 

[Doug2000]

I’ve had a hybrid system for decades, using different methods. My hope now is to get a good enough preamp to eliminate it. The equipment I’m using now is no longer made.

There are a lot of different ways to do it, but using subs eliminates most options.

And yes, it can be worth doing, for me at least. It’s just silly to most people.

I think Cambridge makes a stereo preamp/DAC that can be integrated into your surround system.

Good to hear it is worth it to you from a quality of sound perspective. I believe you had a thread on that recently - and you got a new HT/Preamp. Do you feel like you achieve your goal - that its good enough to not have a separate DAC for music?