Although the CD section of the SCD-1 is quite good, I run it though my Levinson 360s with excellent results. It is comparable with any transport I have used in the past. As far as the SACD section goes, so far there is no possibility of using an outboard DAC, but who cares, it is the best sound I have ever heard...BY FAR. Better even than vinyl. What are you waiting for... go to OADE.com and buy one for $2900 shipped or pickup a 777es for $1500 plus shipping. You might also be able to get the same price form J&R Music in NY.
SACD player as CD transport?
Does anyone have experience using any of the SACD players as a transport for CD playback in combination with an external DAC? How good is it? Because if it's decent in this capacity, seems like you could have the best of both worlds, using it as a transport for 16/44 CDs (but getting the benefits of your DAC, assuming it's better than the SACD) and as a fully-integrated player for SACD software. I know the Sony SCD-1 has coax digital out (CD only), not sure about other models. Thanks.