can i improve my system with a better cd player?

When thinking about which unit is doing the digital to analog conversion, think of it this way:

If the cable(s) connecting the player to the DSP-A1 are analog cables (RCA) the signal is analog and the player has already done the digital to analog conversion.

If the cable connecting the player to the DSP-A1 is digital (TOSLink or Coax) the signal has not been converted yet and is still digital. Therefore, the DSP-A1 MUST do the digital to analog conversion...

-RW-

"can i improve my system with a better cd player?"

Sure thing. Buy a modest vinyl rig and you'll hear the difference vinyl brings to the plate. I've a so called 'hi end cd player'. I've also got 6 turntables. End of discussion.

Sure thing. Buy a modest vinyl rig and you'll hear the difference vinyl brings to the plate. I've a so called 'hi end cd player'. I've also got 6 turntables. End of discussion.
Coltrane1

That ain't gonna help with his shiny discs, now is it?

now that i realized that my yamaha dsp-a1 is doing all the DAC, will the rotel improve my system if I connect it via RCA?

This is a painful purchase because I just counted how many CD players I already have in the house, NINE players! All I need is another one lol.