Upgrade Help: CDP or DAC

Darkstar, seriously, check out the parasound z dac. You can get one from audio advisor and you don't like it, send it back. I've compared mine to a couple other entry level dacs and it just flat out smokes them. You can get one brand new for $500. If it breaks, you can get it fixed or replaced under warranty; you can't say the same with a used dac. Read the reviews on this dac. Check out the one in hometheatrereview.com

I reccomend the Z dac also. Consider using a DIP from Monarchy Audio $150 new. it goes between the transport and DAC It kills Jitter and re-clocks the timing elements in the signal before it hits the DAC. In addition you can then use a BAL XLR digital cable to the DAC (xlr is recommended for digital)research it a little .you will be amazed at the results!

Matt M

FWIW, my second system that's at my beach house is a Cronus Magnum and I am now running my Havana with it and it sounds really good!

Looking at the reviews and advice I thinking the Havana might be the way to go. Do theses come up here on gon. Or do I need to purchase one new?

I ended up getting a Rega. I really like it. So far I am using it with a blue Jean Cable using the Marantz as a transport. According to sterophile the Rega Dac is class B and the Marantz is Class C.

I think the Rega added a bit more detail. It is warmer and does get rid of the slight brightness the Marantz had. It does add more body to the music but does not lose any pace. The presentaion seems to be better with the Rega. Better sound staging and pretty good image but not pin point.

It does not totally leave the Marantz in the dust but it does add more depth and texture to music. Marantz had a wide flat sound stage but the Rega added more side to side as well. I think it really creates a a nice presention when several instruments are playing at a time. You can hear all the individual parts but they all come together well.

In the end I would have liked to try some other DACS Aka Metreum Octive and the Havana. But I am happy and sticking with the Rega. I got mine for under $600 bucks in great condition. I am not sure if I would buy new for many of these dacs. They drop in valve quick and the technology changes to quick for me to drop retail on them. In addition Dac seems to be closer in performance in sound then say speakers and amps. I don't think your going to get drastic chages in DACs in same general price range. It will be small differences that mostly audiophile will notice and enjoy.

I did look at alot of Rega DAC vs Dac X and the rega always seemed to fair well in its sound stage ability.