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DAC for CD transport

Suggestion needed for DAC to be used with CD transport(either dedicated or dvd player as transport) around $1k range for 2nd system, not planning to use with PC.

And my current and previous source listed to understand my preference

Currently using Roksan kandy K3, like the sound, has plenty of air between instruments, extended treble and taut bass, vocals are good.

Previously used Audiolab 8200CD, had denser sound, lacking in instruments separation.

Heard Marantz cd-8005 during audition, it’s kind of thick voice.

DAC’s so for I am considering..

Line Magnetic LM-502CA

Audio gd NOS DAC-19

Teac UD-503

Rega Dac-R

Or should I go with another dedicated CD player?

advise needed, thanks

murgeshj

Showing 2 responses by lowrider57

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
A DAC's performance relies greatly on the quality of the digital stream from the transport (in terms of jitter), then how well that signal is reclocked and filtered. So I believe in auditioning DACs whenever possible.

For the most part, the dacs analog section is responsible for the qualities you list.
I agree.

The Line Magnetic LM-502CA is a very highly regarded DAC, but lists for $1800 new.
Closer to your budget is a Schiit Multibit or the PS Audio DSD Nuwave. The Nuwave takes the native signal from your transport and has a passive analogue output. I'm auditioning one right now; very nice ($1299).
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
Right you are, George. My ARC reads the Redbook layer on hybrids.
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