DAC for streaming services

[boatheelmusic]

So if one listens primarily to streaming services at 320 kbps (MOG, Spotify), is there any benefit to a high end DAC?

 

Or does a DAC like NAD's M51, with powerful upsampling actually improve the SQ?

 

Thoughts most welcome!

[bobbmd]

i definitely feel using a DAC improves SQ/soundfield/clarity

i stream MOG from google via mac mini usb out to schiit audio gungnir dac the out by RCA's to my avr

both developer of schiit audio and cambridges dacmajic say this is so and so do i

[Audio_ELF]

A high end DAC will improve the sound; but the source files will be the limiting factor.

 

A low-mid DAC - Arcam irDAC; Peachtree DACiT; Meridian Director - would probably be more appropriate.

 

Eloise

[christopher3393]

I had the M51 for 2 months and it did improve the sound quality. Adding an iFi iUSB made for another substantial improvement. In my present system, streaming from MOG and Spotify sound the best that they have, but this is in part due to the amp. Redbook is still consistently better, but on much of the classical music that I listen to, the gap has narrowed nicely. I personally think that the key is avoiding equipment that is "ruthlessly revealing" and favoring descriptors like "relaxed" and "forgiving", as long as the overall sound quality remains high.