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DAC vs. New CDP

I've just started looking into what DAC's really are. And I now have a question that I would like some opinions on. I've heard that DAC's can make a CDP sound great, but what if, for a few more dollars, I just got a new (or very nice used) CDP with the very latest DACs already inside?
I have a Classe .5 CDP, about seven years old. I know it doesn't have the modern DACs in it so I would think it's sound isn't as good as it could be. I'm wondering if I should look at a DAC to help the sound (CDP only has a AES/EBU output) or purchase a new or newer CDP. I've been looking at the Cambridge 840, Krell 280, Sim Audio, Bryston & Classe, all in the $1,500 to $2,000 range new or used. I know that the Benchmark DAC will cost around $1,200 new. Very few less expensive DAC's have an AES/EBU output.

My system is: Krell KAV 2250 amp, Krell KAV 280 pre, MF phone amp & headphone amp, Rega P1, Paradigm Studio 60, Kimber and RSCables.

Thanks for any input, ideas or experiences !

Jim
fritter5

Showing 2 responses by goatwuss

goatwuss
877 posts
 
Kijanki and Swanny - Thanks for your thoughts on this.

Given this line of thinking, maybe it makes sense to get an inexpensive CD player with good controls/UI and little regards to its sound quality, and put the majority of the money into a DAC.

I've got to address my digital playback at some point, so maybe this would be the best approach...

So, maybe the topic for another thread - "What CD players available for under $500 on A'gon have the best build quality, controls, and interfaces?"
goatwuss
877 posts
 
Question for all the "dac" people.

If someone was looking for an across the board improvement, and had the budget, wouldn't it make the most sense to address both the dac along with the transport? There seems to be little concern given to the sound quality of the transport.
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