Need New CD Player or new DAC


I need a new cd player. Been looking at the forum and the threads are all pretty old. I have a couple right now. I have a Marantz 6005, an old Calfornia Audio cd player and a Sony DVD player with the drop down face. Also a Pioneer cd recorder. I also have a Emotiva DAC XD-2. Using the Marantz right now but thought I would see if there is a more musical cd player. Been listening to a lot of vinyl lately and like that analog sound. Should I switch cd players or get a better DAC or keep what I got because there won't be that much difference. Any help would be much appreciated.
dylanfan

Showing 2 responses by mesch

Dylanfan, sounds like a DAC with a tube based output may best suit your taste. I have not heard the Jolida however have the Jolida Fusion pre and enjoy it very much. There are other Tube DACs available but having not heard them I can’t make recommendation.

I use a Bryston BDA-1 as my DAC. Very detailed however some may think it to analytical. Sounds great to me feeding the Jolida Fusion (all tube) pre. The Bryston DACs have very good power supplies and and output stages. My speakers have a very smooth top end. I am 66, my ears have a rolled off top end.

Good luck in your search.
Your 6005 can’t be very old. I would be inclined to go the DAC route with quality cable as suggested by Lowrider57. Buy a used DAC noted to have a good analog output stage. There are many used older DACs that sound very good, only lacking in their USB implementation. Seems you may not need USB input. Points made by Zd on 9/18 are valid regarding the purchase of either DAC or player.