2. digital
  3. 1221879445

CDP or DAC with DVD player

Hello,

Is there an easy answer to this question:

Which will sound *better* for 2 channel audio?

1. Lower end audiophile CDP (e.g., Marantz CD5001 or Onkyo DX-7555)

or

2. Regular DVD player (e.g., Marantz dv3002) coupled with a nice DAC such as Channel Islands VDA-2 or Benchmark DAC-1.

People talk about cd playback being more than just the D/A conversion, and I want to believe that. Actually, my preference would be to buy the CDP, but I can't see doing it if it doesn't offer better sound. Any feedback from personal experience with this decision would be great. Thanks in advance.
braudio7

Showing 2 responses by mjcmt

mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
711 posts
 
I agree w/ Kijanki.
Oppo (best picture) or Sony as a transport and Benchmark or Lavry DAC.
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
711 posts
 
Kijanki,
I'm using the DAC1 without a preamp directly to a tubed poweramp and the sound is glorious. Benchmark even recommends trying it w/o a preamp. The DAC1 has a very nice preamp/volume control.

The difference that some talk about is probably similar to when I used the variable output of my Cary308 cdp direct to an amp vs. through a preamp. You get more body but with less clarity and immediacy. I perfered it without a preamp because it had less coloration and was more intimate in presentation.

Anyway, the Benchmarc DAC1 is so clear w/o the hint of digititus or harshness that it excells as a direct connect to a poweramp. Why muddy up its neutral and honest presentation. The highs are so pure they almost sound smooth because there is no harshness to them. It is a real ear opener.
More to discover