A good transport is just as important (and some feel even more important) as a DAC. All transports can read a CD with 100% accuracy, but only a good one will ensure the accurate timing of sending those bits to the DAC (jitter). I had a MSB Link DAC III driven by a Denon CD player, and there was a huge improvment when I bought a Theta Data Basic II.
Transport/Dac 101
Excuse me in advance for my complete lack of understanding in this matter. Right now I have a JVC DVD feeding into an MSB Link DAC 3 with no upgrades. I like what the MSB dous for the sound of the cheap JVD player and hey it's paid for. I am thinking about one of the universal players in the $300 to $500. My question is, when using an outboard DAC, isn't it pointless to buy a more expensive transport, since you are bypassing the units' internal cuircuits anyway? I don't get this whole jitter thing. And in the end, as always, I'm looking for the best bang-for-the-buck.
I primarily listen to Prog rock full volume. Your input as always is sincerely appreciated. Thank you, Matt.....
I primarily listen to Prog rock full volume. Your input as always is sincerely appreciated. Thank you, Matt.....