Upgrade cd player or Dac? need help


Hi, I have a question about either getting a new cd player or getting an external Dac. I know nothing about external Dacs which is why I'm asking for your help. Here are the parameters: I enjoy my system but would like to smooth out the treble and change the timing (speed?). I would also like a warmer sound. I like the way the Rega 2000 planet sounds, but don't have the money for it. With the low prices of Dacs on the used market, I was wondering if an external Dac could give me the changes I desire. (Please give me any makes & models that can do this). I'll be using my Rotel 951 cd player as a transport. The rest of the system consist of a Creek 4330 II integrated, ProAc Studio 1 speakers and DH Labs wiring. Budget is under 600 used. Thanks for your help
petrtyl1

Showing 1 response by gunbei

Hi Petrty11. Although I've never heard your Rotel 951, from what I understand Rotel sources in general are on the dark side, and I think some might even say dull. I don't know if the addition of an outboard DAC would give you what you're looking for. If anything it would probably result in a more resolving presentation.

I do have experience with DH Labs T-14 Silversonic cabling, both interconnects and speaker cables and both proved to be much too lean and bright in my system. In my case, Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker cables made a significant change in the direction you want. A much fuller and dimensional sound. I too own ProAc speakers, the Tablette 50 Signatures and they benefitted greatly from the cable change. ProAcs have a tendency to sound bright when the upstream signal is such. They won't mask it. On the other hand, there is also a sweet nature to ProAcs as well and I have found as others have that they really like tubes.

I started out with two different solid state integrateds similar to yours before finally settling on a tube preamp with a solid state amp. Now my system has both the warmth you're looking for AND detail along with a massive soundstage. I hate to misdirect you and add more confusion to the mix, but I really feel that you can do other things other than purchasing another piece of equipment.

If you do decide to go with an external DAC consider the Bel Canto DAC 1 which has a reputation for being on the warm side. I own the 1.1 which has a power supply upgrade, but the sound is very different, probably not the direction you want to go in. You can get a used DAC1 for about $500-550 on Audiogon. Let's hope others will have some good suggestions for you. Good luck!