The answer is a resounding yes! My Stan Warren modified 24 bit MSB DAC has sonically whipped all of the older designed 18 or 20 bit DACs that I have compared it to. I'm talking about the big names here like Krell and Theta. Have you ever wondered why so many older 20 bit machines are going so cheap now days on the used market? I think it has something to do with the performance advantages of these 24 bit D/A chipsets. For the first time in 15 years of owning digital (7 high end players, and 4 different D/A's), I feel that I am no longer missing the sonic purity that I had only previously enjoyed in analog rigs.
1st Question-have CDP 's really improved in recent years?
I've been hanging onto my dbx DX3 CDP (since '86) because the dbx processing circuitry (impact restoration & "ambience control") is exceptional, but it bass response is weak compared to FM and DVDs. I have a recent Sony DVD player in the system, but it's bass is no better from CDs; and the overall sound is considerably poorer than the old dbx. This makes me wonder if a mid-fi CDP upgrade (~$500) will be a real improvement.