I'm looking to replace my current amps (Arcam 290/290P bi-amped) and current CD player (Arcam 70.1) and it seems sensible to put all of my music onto the computer (something I've put off far too long!), so I'm looking for an amp with an integrated DAC or a DAC with a remote controlled pre-amp. The Benchmark seems to meet my criteria except that it doesn't have a remote control. The only other amp that I'm aware of with a DAC built in is the Naim Supernait but I have no idea how this DAC compares with external DAC's. Anyone got any advice?
I'm also totally confused as to how DAC's operate and hope someone can enlighten me. I have been thinking of buying something like the DACMagic just to experiment. But my current amps are remote controlled and have a number of inputs. If I connect all my current inputs to the DACMagic do I then have one connection from the DACMagic to the amp and if so can I still remotely control the input selection? I apologize if this is a really basic/stupid question but it's something I've totally failed to understand. I've no idea if US hifi dealers stock DAC's but I've failed to find anyone in the UK who does, except of course for online stores.
Last question! Sometime ago I purchased a Squeezebox Classic which I've never got around to connecting. If I get a reasonable DAC will this sound as good as my current CD player? My current intention is to rip all of my music to FLAC using EAC.
Many thanks,
David
