My solution to the same problem was to go with a cheap dvd player and put my money into a really good one box cdp, then to upgrade the dvd to a decent universal player (Marantz DV-8300/Integra DPS 8.3/Pioneer DV47ai) when the prices settle or new models become available. My logic was this: A)I own approximately 600 cd's and only about 20 dvd's B)I watch approximately 1 movie each week, but listen to music every night. C)In many cases, the good from a seperate DAC can be lost by the bad of the extra connections in the signal path, so I wasn't interested in the external DAC option. In addition, everything I've ever read on the subject says that cheap DVD players make for terrible transports. D)I want to experiment with the multichannel music formats but am unwilling to spend a ton o' bucks to find out whether I like them or not so the player must be universal. I think both SACD and DVD-A will be with us for awhile with most commercial music coming out on DVD with SACD relegated to "audiophile" recordings and any artists affiliated with Satan...er, I mean Sony. Just my 2 cents, take it for what it's worth. Enjoy
Upgrade Dilemma-- DAC + Transport or One Box?
I'm in the process of upgrading my system. I have solid amplification (Parasound high current power and rotel pre), serviceable speakers that will be upgraded, and a flat out bottom of the line cd player. I've been getting great deals on used equipment so far.
I'd like to get a dvd player that really shines on music-- I've been looking into the Arcam dv88 for that, but it's pricey and I'm a little leery of buying used machinery with so many moving parts. However, I'm thinking I might do better getting a decent dvd player as a transport and combine with a great used dac. The other option is to get a cheap dvd and a great cd player. My TV and my apt. are both small and I'm much more interested in listening to music than watching dvds.
Should I spend the money on the Arcam or something similar (suggestions welcome), buy a decent new dvd like the Sony NS 900V or 9000ES and a used DAC, or just buy a crappy $150 dvd player and a really good CD Player? Also, what are your thoughts on the results I'd get from pairing a really cheap dvd player with a great dac.
Thanks all.
I'd like to get a dvd player that really shines on music-- I've been looking into the Arcam dv88 for that, but it's pricey and I'm a little leery of buying used machinery with so many moving parts. However, I'm thinking I might do better getting a decent dvd player as a transport and combine with a great used dac. The other option is to get a cheap dvd and a great cd player. My TV and my apt. are both small and I'm much more interested in listening to music than watching dvds.
Should I spend the money on the Arcam or something similar (suggestions welcome), buy a decent new dvd like the Sony NS 900V or 9000ES and a used DAC, or just buy a crappy $150 dvd player and a really good CD Player? Also, what are your thoughts on the results I'd get from pairing a really cheap dvd player with a great dac.
Thanks all.
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