300 disk W/ outboard DAC or single play W good dac

"good dac" is pretty hard to define, but even used you'd be hard pressed to get something older but recent for less than about $150-$250. That doesn' leave much room for a transport and cables. Maybe try a CAl Icon MK2 one box player.

If you go used, a Cambridge Audio D500SE is in your price range. It is a huge improvement over the older model HK I changer I used previously. If you own an old CDP with a digital out, you might consider an ART DI/O DAC. You can get one used here or new on the Internet for $200 or less plus the cost of cables and adapters. Requires the CDP have a BNC or RCA digital out. I now have that in my main system connected to a Sony DVP-S7700. Much better sound than the DVPs DACs. I don't know how it compares with the MSB, Datastream, or other DACs I have seen here in that price range.

Right now i have a Teac pd-d2750 5 disk player i bought at costco for 90 dollars. I think i might go for just a cdp and forget about the dac thing. they seem kna pricy when i could just get something like the nad which has Burr-Brown sigma delta 20 bit. or maybe i could splurge and get the C541 which also plays HDCD's for a hundred or so more.

If it were my money, I would spend an extra $25 and get the Cambridge Audio D-500SE listed in the classified section of this site. The buyer is "asking" $300. Of course, being an "audio cheapskate", I would offer $300, shipping included!

TIC

I have another option. Buy the AMC CD8B from AudioAdvisor for $199. They have a fantastic return policy, so if it doesn't meet your needs, send it back within 30 days for a full refund. I read the reviews on AudioReview, and it seems like a good candidate for a budget system.

TIC

Your source is the last place you want to cheap out on.Save your money till you can buy a used unit for 500.00 stay away from a 300 changer or you will be doomed to lo fi for the rest of you life.
The source is your most important component.

The Cambridge D300 is $175 new on closeout at Audioadvisor along with the $199 AMC mentioned. On ebay you may find an original MSB Link DAC for $150 to $175. The older Soundstream/Krell DACs for around $125+/- are also pretty good. I recommend you upgrade the IEC power cord that comes with the D300. Really tighens up the bass.

I have to agree with Natalie on this. DO NOT waste your money. Save for a good CD player or transport. On the bright side these players make a very nice storage case for your CD collection. My Technics 110 disk changer is one such mistake I made. Learn from my mistake.

OK, the 300 disk thing isint an option anymore, And i dunno about the NAD didnt have the best reviews they said it skipped sometimes. Maybe i will think about the CA and the AMC more..