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Upgrade Help: CDP or DAC

I currently running Marantz 5004 CDP, (speakers) System Audio Mantra 10, (Amp) Exposure Super XV.

The current weak link is the CDP. I am looking for a less bright sound. A sound warm/liquid and open with a good sound stage. I willing to for go extreme resolution and bass slam.

I wanted to spend $700.00 used. I was wondering if I should use the Marantz as a transport and buy the best DAC I can or should I just sink the money into a used CDP.

I did find the Marantz very bright the addition of some good interconnect smoothed it out but still just a little to bright for me.

Thanks for any thoughts
darkstar1

Showing 2 responses by mattmiller

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,521 posts
 
YES ! keep the Marantz as a transport and get a Solid state or Tube DAC! There are so many out there,I would recommend you look at something from Parasound,Musical fidelity,cambridge audio,Nuforce..I use a crappy jvc mini system to send a optical signal to a Monarch Audio DIP then out using XLR cable to a MSB Technologies Nelson DAC...the sound is simply awesome.

Matt M
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,521 posts
 
I reccomend the Z dac also. Consider using a DIP from Monarchy Audio $150 new. it goes between the transport and DAC It kills Jitter and re-clocks the timing elements in the signal before it hits the DAC. In addition you can then use a BAL XLR digital cable to the DAC (xlr is recommended for digital)research it a little .you will be amazed at the results!

Matt M
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