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Upgrade my CD player or buy a DAC?

I cannot decide wether I would be better off buying a dedicated CD player or a DAC and use my current player as a Transport. I am currently using a Yamaha BD-S2900 as my CD/DVD player. I use my system almost exclusively for 2-channel audio, mostly Folk, Rock, and Jazz. My current setup:

Vandersteen 2CE Sigs
McCormack RLD-1 Preamp
Sunfire 5x200 running Biamp
Yamaha BDS-2900
Apple G5 for digital music
Audioquest King Cobra Interconnects
Audioquest Type-8 Speaker Wire

I have a budget of up to $600, let me know if you have any advice.
nickryder

Showing 1 response by mceljo

mceljo
1,357 posts
 
I think that most would agree that the DAC has a more significant impact on sound quality than does a transport, especially at your price point.

Test 1: Connect your CD player in parallel through the DAC and directly to the system for an A/B comparison of sound quality.

Test 2: Connect a 2nd CD player to the DAC using an identical CD and do the same A/B comparison.

I suspect that you'll confirm that the DAC is a better upgrade.

Also, a DAC can be used with multiple pieces of equipment. I do not believe that you could get a new CD player that can double as a DAC for your budget.
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