Lots of very well-informed advice here already. For what it's worth, I was skeptical about DACs; I've got a Marantz SA8005 SACD player that sounded just fine. Then I found a PS Audio UltraLink DAC at an estate sale, and picked it up for a song ($100). With my remote, I can switch back and forth between it and the Marantz. The difference is subtle but essential! The PS Audio is "warmer," more natural, just more involving; woodwinds sound like air through wood instead of electrons. Unfortunately, the PS Audio won't decode SACDs, so those still must be played through the Marantz. But for Red Book, I never prefer the Marantz. (BTW, Paul McGowan at PS Audio offered to give me full original purchase price—$2,000—for the UltraLink in trade for a newer DAC that will decode SACDs. Do any of you think that would be wise? I've read many statements here, including even in this thread, to the effect that newer DACs are much better than older ones, even for Red Book.)
Will a new Dac improve the sound?
I have an older CD player( Cary CDP1) . It sounds good ,but would a new or used Dac in the line improve the sound? Looking at Dacs in the $600 - $1200 range. I know the other equipment would also matter in the outcome, but as a general question......do you think this would be an upgrade to the sound? Or should i go another route?
GP