Using Sony 300 disk CD changer as transport

for me, optical is more of an issue than the cd bank as a transport. I would argue (with coax) that she would see a huge gain with a different DAC (since the one in the player is weak at best) so it would be definitely worth it. Someone else will have to comment on the optical part though - that might be a deal breaker...

Getting a DAC for a 300 disk changer is a great way to up the performance of the system. The DACs in the changers are not stellar performers but the transports are reasonable. You might also consider a de-jitter unit before the DAC but do that after you have tried the basic DAC/changer setup to see how it performs.

Is your sister concerned about the sound quality of the changer, because if she's not, then why burden her with any of your audiophile aesthetics? For the vast majority of users a mega-changer system is far preferable than a single disc player.

I would suspect your sister would enjoy the convenience of a 300 disc changer, therefore if you have to use optical, go with a glass optical , and tweak away .

How much would a DIP help? There are a few Monarchy on sale but what type of improvement would one expect?

Andy,

I used to run MSB Link DAC II w/ a 70$ dvd player and thought it sounded great, better in some ways than my Cambridge Audio D500SE cd player, which is a well-regarded budget player. I moved on and sold the MSB to a friend who has a much more modest system than mine and who also reported huge improvements when the MSB was inserted into his system. These dacs can be had used for around 150$. They automatically turn themselves on and off when they detect a signal, so your sis wouldn't ever have to fuss with it, and if she doesn't like it or notice an obvious improvement, you could always resell it for what you paid. Worth a try.