2. digital
  3. 1039788863

New CD player or DAC

I am interested in "upgrading" my digital signal. I listen to "rock" music on DAT & CD (about 50-50) Right now I have a Tascam DAT & listen to CD's on my Sony DVD player. I was wondering if I'm better off buying a DAC like the Link III for both digital sources or purchasing the Music Hall CD-25 or Cambridge D500 SE. As you can see my budget is about $500.00. I have been getting into more CD music so I may start to use the CD player more than the DAT, but I still need the DAT for my personal recordings. The rest of the system is DNA-1, CJ PV10AL & Vandersteen 2ce Sigs with junk cables. I'm also open to other suggestions for DAC's or CDP's & realize I need to upgrade my cables as soon as I figure out which ones to start with.
fishwater

Showing 1 response by sugarbrie

sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
For a budget of $500 I would look for a used Bel Canto DAC-1 and just use the Sony as a transport.

If you want brand new, then a Link DAC III is a better choice than getting the Music Hall or Cambridge, since you already have something to use as a transport. They are fine budget players, however the Link III is a definite step higher.
You could also pick up a used Link II (2) for around $175 to $200. If is the same in stock form as the Link III, it just cannot handle most of the add-on upgrade boards such as upsampling, etc.
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