Quote:
Originally posted by ndskurfer:
I would like to hear your experiences in comparing external DAC's to those in the 990.

I'm thinking of funding either the 990 or the next Generation processor with the funds I can get from selling my Channel Islands VAC-1/VDA-2. Since I have not heard the 990 DAC's, I am wondering if anybody has experienced a direct comparison. Will I be taking a major step down for music??

My current set up:
Outlaw 7500 (amp)
NAD C162 (pre-amp)
Paradigm Studio 60's v.4
Squeezebox (SB3) + CI Power Supply + CI VDA-2/VAC-1
Entire music library in FLAC

Since I plan on using the funds from the sale of the VDA-2/VAC-1 combo, I am wondering of other's experiences. I'm ok if it is a small step down, but nervous that it will be drastic.

Any opinions??
Ndskurfer,

I used to own both the 990 and the Channel Islands Audio VDA-2/VAC-1 combo and from what I can remember is that the CIA combo sounded much better than using the DACs within the 990. My digital source at the time was an Oppo DV-970HD and I use Magnepan IIIa speakers powered by a Parasound HCA-1205A power amp for your reference.