So, took ownership of my M80s last Friday. Had them hooked up within one hour. Been listening to music since then. Right now listening to "Been A Long Time" by Double Trouble. I've really put these towers through their paces and I like them. I'll keep them.

Question is, should I buy a DAC?

Axiom M80 v 3
Quad 909 power amp x 2
Quad 99 Preamp
Magnum Dynalab Tuner
Music Hall CD Player
Sonos system
IMac server with Drobo external
C.J. Walker turntable

Always so nice to hear from happy people

I don't understand. You mean to replace the DAC in the Sonos for your primary listening area? i.e. What digital source are you converting to analog?

It looks like you have a very impressive system.

I'm sure that some people will tell you that you can't possibly tell the difference between one DAC chip and another. I'm equally sure that some people will tell you that you can.

Yes sir, Mr. Pat

Nice components!!

Quad amps and preamp. One of the best FM tuners ever made. I believe, your Music Hall CD Player already has a high quality DAC in it.

Where in your system do you think an external DAC will help?

Pat, welcome. The concept of comparing DACs in equipment is badly outdated. Modern DACs in even equipment of modest cost(certainly including what you already have)are at a level where although there are still small differences measurable with electronic equipment which is far more sensitive than our ears, this doesn't result in provable audible differences. The DACs you have now are undoubtedly doing the job as well as it can be done.

I had wondered weather the Sonos woud benefit from being attached to a DAC. I know that the Sonos does have a DAC however, there is much debate about whether it benefits from a dedicated DAC or not. The principle purpose being to reduce/eliminate jitter.

And thanks for the welcoming comments.

Pat, I use my Sonos system extensively and had the same question (asked in this thread ) However where I do my more critical listening I send the digital stereo signal via optical cable to my Pioneer receiver so do not use the DAC in the Sonos. However I have a friend who has listened to the Sonos with an external DAC and swears it is an improvement. My true critical listening these days is with BR audio or concert discs and I do find the Sonos inferior to that format, but then what wouldn't be?

Let me know if you decide to pursue it. Even though I did not, part of me is still curious on the subject.

Pat, if the total distortion in these units is already below audibility, which is typically the case, then the small portion of total distortion which is caused by jitter is no cause for concern.

The less jitter the better.

Welcome. JohnK should have introduced himself and his idiosyncratic but strongly held opinions - such as all solid state amps sound the same, all CD players sound the same, and I believe (correct me if I'm wrong, John) all DVD players sound the same, all audio cables of sufficient gauge sound the same. Is that fair?

I was under the impression that if you used a built in DAC there was no jitter. There would be jitter when you sent the digital signal from a source to another component with a dac or a stand alone dac.

I think that I will hold off for a while. Personally, I can find little to complain about with my sound reproduction. Partly because of the fact that I found a window of opportunity to do so (my wife bought my arguments) I've been in upgrade mode for the past few months. Once these urges pass, save and except for sidelong glances at Vienna Acoustic stuff, I will do as JohnK says and enjoy the music and not the gear.

IMO Vienna Acoustic speakers would be a downgrade to what you currently have.

Yes, in all but appearance, depending on your taste in speaker design.

Pat, you can enjoy the music with your already wonderful gear.

You do realize that when someone holds antithetical views just as firmly, they too are, as you say, idiosyncratic.... You just criticized yourself.

Also, JohnK isn't pompous....

When I think about it, until i recently got restless, I had enjoyed ten years of music with my previous system . Right now, I'm listening to Keith Jarrett play his La Scala concert. It's hard to believe that it can get better than this. Listening to the music, I'm right in the concert hall.

Great to hear that you're loving what you are hearing, Pat. I, too, get a taste of audio bliss when I listen to my M80's. They soothe the soul.

Peace