Time to upgrade CD transport and/or DAC?

I don't think you could go wrong with any of the ones you mentioned. But since you already have the transport and digital cable, I think you'd benefit from an upgraded DAC.

There is a lot of info on DACs in these forums.

Good luck! Happy upgrading lol

Output555, I would believe you would get a great change by getting a new DAC. The Bel Canto II is my favorite below the $1000.00 mark, I find it more musical/organic sounding then the Benchmark DAC. If in your budget a great step up is either a used Ensemble DAC, around $3500.00 or either a Reimyo or Accustic Arts DAC around $5000.00. All great sounding pieces, but they do have different sonic signatures, so personnal taste/system synergy does come into play.

If you can get a Reimyo DAP-777 DAC, you will think you are listening to vinyl. I love mine.

I agree with getting a new Dac will get you the most. Aside from the Benchmark, take a look at the Grace M902, or go for a used Chord DAC64

I havn't heard a lot of different DACs, but I picked up a Benchmark resently And I my Digtial Play back has taken a leap forward. But if you can I recommend trying it by it's self without a preamp, I found it to be much better.

would suggest going the upgraded dac route... you have a really good transport...

it is really sad the high res formats didnt make it. hopefully they will continue to do them for the "philes"....

there was a really good post under " Reference DACS: An overall perspective..." that offered some good insight (the question is what sonic characterics are you looking for and what is your budget ?)

it would seem the benchmark is a great choice if you want a more "detailed" dac or the bel canto for a "warmer " sound..

though i am currently looking for a used dac myself (considering the muse 24/96, theta gen v, audio research dac 3,stello, audiologic(highly reguarded and reasonably priced), and electrocompient, audio aero etc...

btw, if you can afford it ( it is reasonably priced but more that what i can afford) the tube technologies gear is the most musical digital playback i have heard to date...

You may want to consider non-oversampling DACs if you decide to upgrade in that area. There are many excellent ones out there and for very reasonable prices. Check out the Audio Mirror D1, a great deal at $550 here on Audiogon. If you want to do some research on non-os design concepts, check out the Audio Note and Sakura Systems (47 Labs) website. Good information is available there. I made the jump over to non-os and I'm not regretting it a bit. Very anaolg sounding.