Comparing external DAC to CD player DAC


I have been using a well-known, inexpensive ($300), and well regarded DAC with an old MAC as a music server.  I also stream TIDAL masters and use the CD transport through the server, all going through the external DAC.   I recently pulled out my old CD player, a Marantz CD-67se: an "oldie but a goodie".  The CD player with its onboard, 20+year old DAC is far superior to what I am experiencing with the external DAC, from any source..  Is this expected.  I am not opposed to purchasing a new external DAC, but i really don't want to spend thousands of dollars to reproduce sound I can get from a 20 year old CD player.  What am i missing? Could I be I doing something wrong, or could my external DAC be malfunctioning.

djbarabino

Showing 1 response by mesch

Some of the CD players made around the year 2000 were very good. Much better than those produced upon the arrival of the CD.

You are comparing a computer used as a streamer/transport into a budget DAC against a true transport/DAC built to be compatible towards a sound signature  you seem to prefer.