Is my AVR DAC good enough or should I buy an external DAC?

[Dan_Mason]

Hi,

I have an Anthem AVM60 (their top of the range AV Pre-Processor) which is a pretty awesome bit of kit.

I’m trying to work out if it’s built in DAC is on par with some of the external DAC solutions from Allo?

Should I utilise the Anthem DAC with a DigiOne? Or maybe Go for a complete external network Roon DAC solution and just input analog into the Anthem?

Thanks

[rrwwss52 (Robert)]

Allo Boss DAC review

I had today opportunity to test the new Allo DAC Boss. It is another great product from Allo @allo.com , and in my view has three interesting differentiations: [image] First of all, it has such a deep, deep, low, juicy bass flowing out and projects powerful sound stage! According to Allo the foundation for this unique performance is the Supercapacitor of 0.22F…!!! you see in this picture. I personally would have given to this DAC product name “Bass" not “Boss”… [image] Seco…

Here’s some related stuff on the Allo DAC.

Personally, I have an Anthem MRX 720 AVR which I use as a prepro. It is a good quality component, as is your AV6000. That said, I use a couple of external DACs in my setup. Comes down to if you like the sound signature of your AVR. What are you using for Roon now?

[Dan_Mason]

Thanks Robert.

So far I’ve tried DTS Play-F via the Windows Interface control softwarei, which I think your 720 supports too?

I’ve also tried Nvidia Shield over HDMI which didn’t sound great. But I’ve also got a SB+ (pimped up Squeezebox Classic) but obviously that doesn’t use RAAT.

I’m just pondering DigiOne Player over digital coax and the Boss DAC I guess.

I’ve already got 2 headphone DACs, Chord Mojo and NAD D 1050, however both need USB output from a PC which isn’t great for me in terms of distance from Anthem.

Thanks

[rrwwss52 (Robert)]

I have a HiFi Berry DAC + Pro I purchased. I have used it with the Anthem’s analog inputs and found it to sound very good. Very affordable endpoint solution.

[Steven_Goff]

I have the AVM 60, which I prefer to a standalone DAC because I can use ARC room correction, which is a bigger positive than a separate DAC.

You can use ARC with a standalone DAC for two channel music, but doing so involves an a/d/a conversion, which means you end up using both the external DAC and the AVM 60 DAC in series. Not a good proposition.

I would try running the Allo DigiOne into one of the coax inputs on the AVM 60.

[Dan_Mason]

Thanks Steven, hadn’t consider the A-D-A and ARC, very good point. Plus I’m pretty sure the Anthem DACs are of high quality too.

Good to see another AVM60 on here, amazing bits of kit!