I think you guys are answering the wrong question. I believe the question is, "Why does the headphone output of my CD player sound better than the CDP as transport > DAC > headphone amp?"
It's hard to say. I would venture that replacing the Philips unit with a real transport would help the DAC deliver a lot more of its potential. That's a half-a**ed stab at an answer from the equipment side. The other aspect to consider is the mental part. How are you comparing? A quick A/B switch is often not as effective as a more long-term comparo. Listen to a whole CD via the CDP, then listen to it again via the DAAC and HP amp. Your body should tell you which it enjoys more.
I had a similar experience with my first DAC/transport situation. I bought a Muse Model 2 DAC and at first listen, I could not tell the difference between it and the sound out of the $89 Denon carousel I had. After a month of listening to the DAC, going back to the Denon was painful. Give it some time, if you haven't already.
It's hard to say. I would venture that replacing the Philips unit with a real transport would help the DAC deliver a lot more of its potential. That's a half-a**ed stab at an answer from the equipment side. The other aspect to consider is the mental part. How are you comparing? A quick A/B switch is often not as effective as a more long-term comparo. Listen to a whole CD via the CDP, then listen to it again via the DAAC and HP amp. Your body should tell you which it enjoys more.
I had a similar experience with my first DAC/transport situation. I bought a Muse Model 2 DAC and at first listen, I could not tell the difference between it and the sound out of the $89 Denon carousel I had. After a month of listening to the DAC, going back to the Denon was painful. Give it some time, if you haven't already.