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New CD player or new external DAC ?

I have been looking for some options for a decent upgrade to my 14 year old Arcam MCD player. Since the CD player actually works, I'm wondering if it would be a better option to just keep it as a transport and get a good quality DAC. Would this provide an improvement ? Or is an improvement in the transport required as well.

I was looking at some $600-$900 Cd player options such as the Marantz 6400 or the Cambridge Audio 351 or 651. But then started to turn my focus to DAC and am looking at the Bryston BDA1 (can get a VERY good deal on a a store demo...full warranty), and thinking it would be worth the extra money IF it will be a signifcant upgrade to my stand alone Arcam MCD. Would this transport and DAC be a match ? And with a DAC, if I have future flexibiity as well. And if I can get just as good but less expensive, I would consider that as well.

Thoughts, comments ???
dallyd31
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
CD player now is more obsolete than turntable. If you decide to opt out of Bryston BDA1's VERY good deal, drop me a note so I'll get it instead of you.
glenfihi
525 posts
 
The future in audio gear seems to be one that may require a DAC. Take your cd player to the dealer and ask them to hook it up to the BDA -1 and hear it for yourself. If no dramatic difference and you yet want to upgrade, get a cd player that includes inputs for other devices like a computer, cd player etc. Player like the OPPO 105 and some Marantz units.

Just for a lark if you do get the BDA, and I would if you think the deal if good enough regardless of your cd player. Buy the Emotiva DAC and compare to the BDA, you get easily return the Emotiva if it is not all that.
jhold
116 posts
 
Similar question came up in the Forums about a week ago, though the poster asked for advice on DACs at lower price point:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1368127795&&&/Upgrade-Help:-CDP-or-DAC
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,366 posts
 
I'd say that depends on if you plan on possibly wanting to play back music from a computer in the near future. If you are happy putting discs in one at a time and playing that way then I personally would look for a used player that is major bang for the buck. CD players are becoming a thing of the past and there are some great deals out there.

If you are ready to come out of the dark ages and play back from a computer then yes by all means get a DAC. The Bryston is a good DAC I have one and for whatever reason the prices have dropped pretty low on the used market. I've seen them going on here for 1100
jl35
3,940 posts
 
Either way, a new DAC or a new CDP will improve your sound. Remember too that once that 14 year old Arcam breaks, it probably can't be fixed. Agree that if, like me, you play discs and have no interest in computer music, a CDP is the most cost effective option.
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