Need to replace my Denon 2910, have $400?

used Rotel RCD1072, which I own.

How about a Squeezebox Touch ($350)? Since I purchased it I'm rarely, if ever, using my CD player anymore. Different ballgame altogether.

Depends of your definition of cheap. With 16bit/44.1kHz material, my SB Touch sounds as good as my Rotel RCD-1072 CD player ($800) playing the same CD, plus you have the option of 24/96 material and the flexibility digital audio provides. Some prefer the ritual of selecting a CD from the rack, opening it, looking over the art, etc. Certainly nothing wrong with that. However, I know I don't use my CD player anymore.

In case you are wondering, the rest of my system is Lamm LL2 pre, McIntosh MC275 amp, and B&W 804S.

Don't take my word. Do some reading around in forums and make up your own idea before buying.

For the time being I'm using the Touch with factory settings, thru wi-fi, supplied power supply, etc. Just volume at 100% and use the preamp volume. The mods are in my to-do list. I'm using the internal DAC too (DAC is also in my to-do).

Ripping wasn't hard at all. Use the computer audiophile guide to ripping, follow step by step, and you are good to go without guessing what's a good approach. It suggests dBPoweramp. It is time consuming, but you can rip as you do other stuff so it wasn't bothersome to me.

Here we go: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Computer-Audiophile-CD-Ripping-Strategy-and-Methodology

As for the volume: yes, keep the Touch's volume at 100% for critical listening and use the integrated's volume control. The Touch volume control is in the digital domain, so as you lower the volume it will be dropping bits. Down to around 85% you are probably safe, though.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I am. Just a neat device, with a number of upgrade paths from there.

cheers!

Hey Meadowman,

I'm in the same boat: looking into DACs for the Touch. Seriously considering a Bryston BDA-1. What other DACs have you considered and what do you mean the EAD has a leg up? Heard it vs. others? I haven't ruled out the USB out mod, but it does scare me too!