You do not need an external DAC with any Outlaw product. I have a 990 pre-amp processor and an RR 2150. I run the iPod into both, as well as my MacBook. The Outlaws recognize the Mac and act as a soundcard. The iPod also works in both.

If you need an external DAC unless you either have the world's best ears or running ultra higher end equipment.

I used external DAC's with the 990 and did near hear a difference. Yes on a scope you may see a difference, but our ears are not perfectly linear and any minor jitter is not worth the added expense.

Remember if you have Outlaw gear, you don't have Krell or better ultra high end quality, just really good mid to nearly high end quality. Believe me, it better than most people ever enjoy in high fi.

Former radio station engineer and self proclaimed debunker of so called audio nazis