CD player or DAC ??

I second and third the recommendations for the CAL Icon Mk II. Also, check out the Ah New Tjoeb! CD player for $579 NEW from Upscale Audio. Both these 1-box players are dynamite for the money, and the Icon can be had for under $400 used on Audiogon. Both players will obviate the need for any DAC upgrade, IMO.

I'll throw in another for the Cal. It is very nice and smooth.

I own a Cal Ikon MK II (no HDCD upgrade) and it is indeed a fine player. I've done a weekend demo with the Cal Alpha/Delta and there are subtle differences in low level resolution, descernable, but not earth shattering.

I also tried out an Audio Research CD2 ($3450) and it was a significant difference and incredibly musical but at a large increase in price.

I've read norh or nohr (spelling) is pretty good. Supposedly, a similar design to the CAL Alpha/Delta, dual 12ax7 tube output stage, but it is integrated. It's $700.

Sorry for mistake on previous post. Cal Icon MkII(no HDCD upgrade) for $250.00 is on Audioshopper, not Audioreview.