CD players, one box or seperates?

And nothing beats a single box for jitter reduction!

The technology of digital signal transmition has reach such a level of understanding in the last few years that I believe a properly executed single box player is superior to a seperate transport & DAC at just about any given price point. The only exception to having another box would be a seperate power supply. The single box players from Meridian, Sonic Frontiers, Cal, and, IN PARTICULAR, Muse all sound spectacular and superior to any DAC/Transport/Cabling combination I've had at the same price point.

I got into 2 box source when I tried a DAC with my old CD player. It sounded much better--so I bought it. Then the player completely died--so I bought a transport. Later I upgraded to a better DAC, and then again to a better transport. I now own a Mark Levinson #37 and #36. Does it sound any better than a #39? Probably not much--but I do have the option of upgrading the 36 to a 360S. If you can find a single box that you are happy with (and will be for a long time)--that probably makes more sense and is more cost effective. However, if you like to upgrade and change things--the separates provides that flexibility.

Tough question. Four and a half years ago I bought a new DAC and transport. I made the decision to buy seperates thinking that with the high rez formats coming I would have the flexibility to swap out and/or upgrade the units to take advantge of the new format. It now appears as though I out-thought myself. The manfacturer is uncomitted to upgrades for the units that I bought even though they are both still in production. I currently intend to do nothing until the hi rez formats straighten themselves out. If one or both of the units failed beyond repair tomorrow I would probably look for either a used hi end (Meridian, Levinson, ARC, BAT, etc) single box CD player or watch for a used SACD player. Once the SACD/DVD/CD debate gets straightened out I would/will probably go single box. Regards, Doug

I am guessing it is harder for smaller companies to manufacture transports. So the selection of high value DACS are many... MSB, Perpetual, etc. So many really great DACS for cheap.

Not a cut and clear situation. The advantages of 2 box can easily be offset by the disadvantages of the digital interconnect cable. At the the very high end, 2 box is definitely worth the effort. Well designs 2 box systems (including the digital cable) will produce an across the board increase in all sonic areas. For below $5k (MRSP) I would recommend going with a single box player. However, if you have a relatively low cost one box player, say $500, then adding an outboard D/A in the $1k neighborhood should produce worthwhile improvements in sound quality. As with everything, there are exceptions to what I've just stated.