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DAC for CD transport

Suggestion needed for DAC to be used with CD transport(either dedicated or dvd player as transport) around $1k range for 2nd system, not planning to use with PC.

And my current and previous source listed to understand my preference

Currently using Roksan kandy K3, like the sound, has plenty of air between instruments, extended treble and taut bass, vocals are good.

Previously used Audiolab 8200CD, had denser sound, lacking in instruments separation.

Heard Marantz cd-8005 during audition, it’s kind of thick voice.

DAC’s so for I am considering..

Line Magnetic LM-502CA

Audio gd NOS DAC-19

Teac UD-503

Rega Dac-R

Or should I go with another dedicated CD player?

advise needed, thanks

murgeshj
erik_squires
15,930 posts
 
On budget, the Parasound ZDac is suprisingly good sounding.

For Redbook, I'd stick to DAC's within the last 3 years. There are several that make CD's sound really good. Schiit, Mytek and others.


Best,


Erik
mb1audio
151 posts
 
"Currently using Roksan kandy K3, like the sound, has plenty of air between instruments, extended treble and taut bass, vocals are good.

Previously used Audiolab 8200CD, had denser sound, lacking in instruments separation. Heard Marantz cd-8005 during audition, it’s kind of thick voice."

For the most part, the dacs analog section is responsible for the qualities you list. If you like the sound of the K3 and want to take it further, look at a Wadia di122 or an Ayre Codex. Both are a little over your budget, so you may have to go used. If that's not an option, save up until you have enough. You won't be sorry. Those dac's are well worth the extra money.


pc123v
85 posts
 
Yay....my question exactly too. I am leaning towards the Teac UD501 or UD503 (new or used) or the Gustard a20h. Seeking dense, smooth, romantic and analogue sounding there. 
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,397 posts
 
A DAC's performance relies greatly on the quality of the digital stream from the transport (in terms of jitter), then how well that signal is reclocked and filtered. So I believe in auditioning DACs whenever possible.

For the most part, the dacs analog section is responsible for the qualities you list.
I agree.

The Line Magnetic LM-502CA is a very highly regarded DAC, but lists for $1800 new.
Closer to your budget is a Schiit Multibit or the PS Audio DSD Nuwave. The Nuwave takes the native signal from your transport and has a passive analogue output. I'm auditioning one right now; very nice ($1299).
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
+1 for the Schiit Multibit as it's not Delta Sigma, and it will get the best from pcm Redbook 16/44 or 24/96 if that's what you play??

Cheers George
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