Tube DAC or new CD player?


I have a DR6050 marantz CD player/recorder. I enjoy the flexibility of having two decks for random play as well as being able to record CDs. I think it sound bright and edgy at times and would like to see what can I do to get a smoother sound without loosing detail (the strength of the DR6050). I am thinking of a CAL Audio Labs DAC (SIGMA or SIGMAII). The tube output stage is very alluring to me. Please feel free to propose other DAC, tube DAC, CD players etc...... Keep it under $600.
Thanks, Salsero
salsero

Showing 1 response by asterix

quick response,

I use a roksan caspian cdp very nice but quite too smooth for my taste and wanted more liveliness out of the music minus any edginess/brightness which the roksan does not have anyway.

The result is quite wonderful and that is with just a DAC sigma I.
Results will also depend on your cdp transport quality but my experience is more than I could have expected from a older dac for $200 invested.

Try first with the cheap sigma see how much of a difference it makes in your system if it does not work then maybe you would need to consider upgrading your cdp instead as my set up does work superbly.

good luck!