Help with decision...New CDP or add DAC to DVD?


My old 16 bit CDP just doesn't cut the mustard any more. I'd appreciate advise on whether to buy a new CDP versus simply adding a good DAC to my Sony DVP-s300 DVD player via digital coax. The latter would sure simplify things. Budget in either case is around $400. I've read somewhere that DVD laser heads can't really get the most from audio CDs...is that true? The rest of my system is simple; Parasound receiver and Vandersteen 3A speakers.
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Showing 1 response by subaruguru

Sugarbrie, if it is just about reading smaller pits then I suppose 6 lb DVDs perhaps could sound good. I've tried two (pioneer and panasonic) that surely DON'T...even with a Bel Canto DAC.
Pretty clear to me that low jitter and clock timing issues are paramount to tickling our ear/brain successfully.
Hell, my 10 year old 12 lb Rotel 855 sounds better than these cheap DVDs. So much so that I had to get a 44 lb boat anchor (EMC-1) to get a quantum jump sufficient to please.
SACD's another story, of course....