CDP or DAC?


I want to get back to playing and enjoying my 500+ cd's!  Been listening 95% of the time to a nice high end turntable $15k+ setup but would also like to have the option of listening to my cd collection to where it sounds at least competitive with my vinyl enjoyment.

I have no interest in streaming just playing cd's.   Does it make more sense to go with a cdp or transport and separate dac?

Budget $5 - $15k.  Thoughts
bobheinatz
@pindac  Are you able to share with us which DAC you went with?  The R2R, Valve Regulated Power Supply and Valve Output Stage is very intriguing to me.

Also, which coax cable seem to be the best match for you?

Thanks much,
Don
I can't supply a Brand Name for the DAC as it is bespoke produced design and imported to the UK from Bulgaria.
The Seller on ebay is I believe known as NVKaudio and the Seller Name is nightyJJ. 
I was given a description that my Product is a design from a period when two Design Engineers were working together, and the Seller is one of those engineers.
I have tube rolled this DAC and it is using early a Matched Pair of early 60's Siemens and Halske E88CC. 

Beyond the experience with it in a very expensive system, it has been demonstrated in other systems, where the system owners are very experienced in using Digital, and the responses from the listeners are very positive.
A group of listeners were making up a audience on the Tube Rolling session, that took place on a System that has a Digital Front End Only.  
I have been informed on this occasion that  I am very fortunate to have been offered the DAC. 

The Cable I am now using is a Mitsubishi D.U.C.C
A Cable can be a make or break addition.
My investigations into Modern Produced Wires and the taking the learning to the place where I am now experiencing the Wires has been quite revelatory.
My OCC Copper and Silver Wires are now Superseded, and the Modern Design Wires are in place at the  Cartridge Tag Wires, DIN - RCA Phono, SUT/Head Amp > Phonostage, CDT > DAC and Speaker Wires.
D.U.C.C is used on the CDT > DAC and SUT/Head Amp > Phonostage .
PC Triple C is used at the other Interfaces. 

My demonstration of these wires to others has already set of a interest and very recently I am seeing reports of a flurry of purchases that are set into motion, as a result of word of mouth reports following demonstrations I have carried out.  
I should have also pointed out that the New Used Power Cable on the CDT is a PC Triple C Nano Treated Cable.
It has had quite a impact on the CDT and the DAC, almost parity.
I keep it on the CDT, as I like to think the DAC receives all the benefits of the CDT and the COAX.
I am now looking to increase the quantity of these Power Cable Types used in the system.   
@mozartfan:

I had a Jolida JD100 for quite awhile -- I'm sure it was no competition for the Cayin!