Upgrade Help: CDP or DAC

Thanks for both of your Input.

If I use my CDP as transport will the DAC really be able to calm down the edge and bright leaning marantz.

Thank You all for the input. It seems most everyone thinks I need to keep my CDP and move forward with used DAC. That is the route I will research.

I don't think my system is overly bright, My speakers are very netural and my amp is said to be somewhat bright with the wrong speakers (which I don't think is the problem). I am pretty sure its from the CDP. When I use a very cheap record player no edge or touch of brightness. The cd player was really bright but some interconnects helped out and just a little edge and brightness or a more un natural feeling is still there.

I want to eventually spring for tubes. Thinking Rouge Audio Cronus Mag. or Used Audio Research gear. I wanted to go American. If I shell out the money I want to ensure it can be serviced.

Would a Tube DAC going through a Tube amp be to much? Should I get a solid state since my amp will be tubes in the future?

Thanks

Looking at the reviews and advice I thinking the Havana might be the way to go. Do theses come up here on gon. Or do I need to purchase one new?

I ended up getting a Rega. I really like it. So far I am using it with a blue Jean Cable using the Marantz as a transport. According to sterophile the Rega Dac is class B and the Marantz is Class C.

I think the Rega added a bit more detail. It is warmer and does get rid of the slight brightness the Marantz had. It does add more body to the music but does not lose any pace. The presentaion seems to be better with the Rega. Better sound staging and pretty good image but not pin point.

It does not totally leave the Marantz in the dust but it does add more depth and texture to music. Marantz had a wide flat sound stage but the Rega added more side to side as well. I think it really creates a a nice presention when several instruments are playing at a time. You can hear all the individual parts but they all come together well.

In the end I would have liked to try some other DACS Aka Metreum Octive and the Havana. But I am happy and sticking with the Rega. I got mine for under $600 bucks in great condition. I am not sure if I would buy new for many of these dacs. They drop in valve quick and the technology changes to quick for me to drop retail on them. In addition Dac seems to be closer in performance in sound then say speakers and amps. I don't think your going to get drastic chages in DACs in same general price range. It will be small differences that mostly audiophile will notice and enjoy.

I did look at alot of Rega DAC vs Dac X and the rega always seemed to fair well in its sound stage ability.