Stupid DAC question


I am currently using an old Denon DCD620 cdp and want to upgrade. I have discovered way more info that my feeble brain can comprehend. Thus I seek wisdom from the audiophiliacs on this forum. I was considering using the MSB Link Dac 3 as an upgrade but found out that I need a digital output which the Denon cdp does not have (stone age cdp, I know). Would I be better off buying an inexpensive cdp and a Link Dac 3 or just buying a good cdp such as a Rega Planet 2000 AND will I notice an apreciable difference from the ancient Denon (some say a cd player is a cd player and there isn't much real difference in quality of sound). Sorry for being so long winded.
Dennis
dennzio

Showing 1 response by dwright

I would recommend upgrading your CDP to something better first. You could either buy an inexpensive Pioneer CD/DVD player for < $200 that would sound fairly good and give you a digital out from which you could add a DAC.

Secondly, you could buy a good CDP like the Planet or Rotel and YES, you would hear an improvement. I am assuming that the rest of your system is up to it in terms of being relatively musical. You would have to have really bad ears to not hear the difference between the newer mid-fi equipment and the older Denon.

In the budget range you are talking about, these are good options. If you are willing to spend a bit more $, you might consider the Sony 333ES SACD player ($600) or the Sony 9000ES CD/SACD/DVD player ($1200).

I also offer mods to a number of products, for more information you can check out my web page www.modwright.com. My intention in responding to your post was to answer your question, not solicit my services ;).

Good luck and take care,

Dan W.