Ok, kind of noob here with audi0 formats. But I have a nice two channel Rotel 1042 amp powering a couple of Paradigm Monitor 7 floor speakers. As I understand it, this is a purely analog system.

Since most of our sources, unless you have a turntable, are digital: mp3, ipods, cable boxes, and cd players. They all must have their own DAC converters. This is where I think my sytem is weak. It is depending on my sources to send clean analog signals. The only thing that sounds good right now is FM. Instead of getting a better cd player, wouldn't it be better to get an amp with a high quality digital to analog converter. Even with a better cd player, I still have to rely on the comcast hd/dvr box and ipod to send a good signal to the amp.

I am off base here? Wouldn't I be better off with an amp that has a superior DAC that can fix the signal from the cable box, ipod, and the dvd player?

Amps with DACs built-in have their flaws because DACs give off lots of RFI which compromises the performance of the amp. Not only that, but the circuitry of an amp does the DAC no favors either. For a quality DAC, a stand alone device is always a better bet.

How much are you prepared to budget for a DAC? I can provide some recommendations if you like.

<img src="http://www.psaudio.com/products/images/417_6.jpg">

<img src="http://www.psaudio.com/products/images/417_2.jpg">

<img src="http://www.psaudio.com/products/images/417_7.jpg">

I have not hooked it up yet. Clearly not a plug and play. But I returned the 1042 Rotel for an RSX 1057 that can deal with many digital inuputs and grow to a real 5.1 system in the future. It has pleanty of digital inputs and I picked up some silver Optilink-1 and VDM-3 cables. I also picked up a used Sony 5-Disk CA7ES changer that supposed to be a bit warmer (for 150). This Rotel has only been out for a few months and should be up to the task. I hope!!!

I just started with and manual and "Holly Cr@P"
I'm going to be spending hours just reading. I think I'm going to call and installer and get help.

If this does not work, I've been promised some Paradign Studio 60's for 20% off. That would mean another $400 and I am assured that would cure the harshness. I wanted some Stasis coilovers for my Audi A3, but it may have to wait a year at this rate.

I'll keep you all posted as I make the connections. I should have gone BOSE :D

The only one here with this problem. LOL.