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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 1 response by mechans

mechans
3,048 posts
 
The DAC has a lot of potentential, in that regard. There are many different designs around. The old thinking that a tubed component in the chain can take the edge off is still widely held and their are many tubed DACs to choose from.
I think you might be happier with a softer, sweeter CDP from manufacturers such as Rega or Cambridge. There are others but I just can't think of them at the moment.
As suggested a search on the topic will likely yield a ton of old threads.
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