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New CD player or new external DAC ?

I have been looking for some options for a decent upgrade to my 14 year old Arcam MCD player. Since the CD player actually works, I'm wondering if it would be a better option to just keep it as a transport and get a good quality DAC. Would this provide an improvement ? Or is an improvement in the transport required as well.

I was looking at some $600-$900 Cd player options such as the Marantz 6400 or the Cambridge Audio 351 or 651. But then started to turn my focus to DAC and am looking at the Bryston BDA1 (can get a VERY good deal on a a store demo...full warranty), and thinking it would be worth the extra money IF it will be a signifcant upgrade to my stand alone Arcam MCD. Would this transport and DAC be a match ? And with a DAC, if I have future flexibiity as well. And if I can get just as good but less expensive, I would consider that as well.

Thoughts, comments ???
dallyd31

Showing 1 response by ejlif

ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,377 posts
 
I'd say that depends on if you plan on possibly wanting to play back music from a computer in the near future. If you are happy putting discs in one at a time and playing that way then I personally would look for a used player that is major bang for the buck. CD players are becoming a thing of the past and there are some great deals out there.

If you are ready to come out of the dark ages and play back from a computer then yes by all means get a DAC. The Bryston is a good DAC I have one and for whatever reason the prices have dropped pretty low on the used market. I've seen them going on here for 1100
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