Bypass Denon DCD 1700NE's DAC?

[bzawa]

Hello I have a Denon DCD 1700NE CD/SACD Player. It has a Texas Instrument PCM1795 DAC. It has been recommended that I use the Denon as a transport and use a separate DAC. I've thought about getting an Eversolo Z-10 or A Topping D90 lll or a Topping D70 Pro. I really don't want to waste my time or money, so I figured I'd just ask people more knowledgeable than me. Would pursuing a new DAC be worth it? Thanks

 

[Redacted]

If you just play CDs, I'm sure the Denon is fine. If you're a "golden ear" and can hear "bad audio things" from its DAC, then sure, spend money on an external device with better numbers. I would not bother if you only play CDs - someone is trying to upsell you and on a blind test, I doubt you'd be able to to tell. I would not tell, but ASR people might say I'm cloth-eared.

If you want to stream from online, or from a collection of ripped music on a device at home however, you'll need a DAC or more likely a DAC/Streamer transport (assuming your Denon cannot). In which case, there are loads for not a lot of money, such as Wiim and many others. If you want something in that line that is simply more expensive for probably no audio benefit - maybe it looks nice? - then that's fine too.