2. digital
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New CDP or new DAC?

One of the weak links in my system is my NAD C542 CDP, which when I bought it was a recommended budget CDP. In the new Stereophile Sam Tellig was extremely taken with the Music Fidelity M1DAC. So the question which occurred to me was whether it would be better to buy a new, better CDP, or to use my existing CDP as a transport and feed the signal to a new DAC instead (i.e. assume that, for example, the M1DAC is significantly better than the NAD's internal DAC). Also, if the recommendation is to go the DAC route, the NAD would let me use either a coax or optical cable to connect to the DAC - any preferences? So, I guess I have two questions: CDP or DAC, and if DAC, which connection path to the DAC? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
palewin

Showing 2 responses by ckoffend

ckoffend
684 posts
 
There are a lot of opinions on the best approach for this scenario. There are those that believe that a transport is a transport and it is just the DAC that is important.

There are those that believe a great DAC with a mediocre transport results in the "weakest link" philosophy - ie. the great DAC's performance cannot be realized with a "mediocre" transport. FYI - I am in this camp.

There are good recommendations and comments above, so mine shouldn't be taken any differently than any other.

My recommendation would be to add to your list of options the idea of a better CDP with digital inputs. There are a lot of good players out now that fit this bill. This approach gives one the flexibility to add a computer based system. I also think it is easier to justify spending a little bit more via this approach - ideally ending up with a better and more flexible piece.

Good luck.
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Ed, I hear you and can understand your personal passion for computer based. However, not all of us are ready and willing to give up CDs, especially if one has a SACD player, large collection etc. . . I use a computer based server as well (via a Squeezebox/logitech Duet to my CDP/DAC) and love this convenience. I have had a lot of DACs/CDPs with d-inputs (EMM Labs, DCS stack, Esoteric, Wadia, Levinson, etc. . . ). While I think the sound is wonderful, i am not 100% sure it is better or possibly quite as good - but that may be an illogical bias!

Computer based is wonderfully convenient and when done right sounds wonderful.
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