Reciever DACs vs stand alone DAC

[thegreenline]

I have a Pioneer SC-25, it uses Wolfson WM8740 DACs. I am thinking of adding an outboard DAC, between that and my Fireball music server. I looked at the Cambridge Audio DAC Magic it also uses the Wolfson WM8740 DACs. Is there a difference between the two? Do I need to spend a lot more on a DAC than the DAC Magic to see a big improvement over the Pioneer?

 

[markw]

Specs and names are all well and good up to a point but the ultimate decision rests on which one sounds better to you, or which one satisfies you the most.

For some people, they may not be one in the same.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would not waste any money on any out-board DACs.

DACs have matured to a point where they all pretty much sound the same, and all their specs look the same.

Buying an out-board DAC will not improve your sound at all.