Comparing external DAC to CD player DAC

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I have been using a well-known, inexpensive ($300), and well regarded DAC with an old MAC as a music server.

Yuck   That sucks  

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.

No wonder.  It’s not as much an “oldie but a goodie” and more an “older and less baddie.”  The Marantz no doubt sounds more lush and full while your current streaming setup probably sounds relatively thin amped threadbare by comparison.  My advice, buy something like one of the newer R2R DACs like the Gustard R26, Musician Pegasus, etc. (whatever meets your budget) and I think you’ll get the benefits of the Marantz but with much better upper-level detail and air that Marantz tends to roll off IME.  Also, with streaming everything matters and streaming directly outta your MAC, uh, sucks.  Get a dedicated streamer like an iFi Zen Stream or, at the very least, get a noise reducer like the iFi Purifier 3 if you continue to use your computer.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 

"Old Mac" is probably the weak link.  As suggested, try the CDP direct to your external DAC.  If you're satisfied with the resulting sound, you'll only need to replace your streamer.

I don’t understand how the old computer impacts the sound quality

I don’t understand how the old computer impacts the sound quality

Not surprised - the old Marantz stuff was really nice.  - we still have a Marantz CD-94 in our listening room and people are amazed wen they hear it compared to the new stuff.  You mention a $300 product.  We cannot even find a chassis for $300 to install parts so IMO how can that product be basically any good or offer an improvement in sound quality.

Happy Listening