CDP or DAC?

Getting digital to equal the quality of a $15,000+ analog set up is not an easy task. You must do everything right. You can begin by tossing the idea that you want to play physical disks. Start ripping your CDs and SACDs to a hard disk. Not only better convenience, but better SQ and a saving of cash you will need. Do research on the best DAC for you. Sigma delta chips, multibit chips and discrete D2D devices have all been proven to make great DACs when properly implemented. Some are more detailed; some are more "relaxed." Choose the flavor of the month if you wish. Since you’re an analog person pay careful attention to the analog section of the DAC. Discrete sections should outperform those based on chip op amps. Finally, just as a TT has to feed the phono pre a good signal from the LP, you will have to feed quality bits from your HD to your DAC. That will take research too. Good luck! I did it. You can do it.

get a sony scd-1 vsei modded level 6

or a modwright modded sony or marantz s-cdp w tube output and tube rectification

spend the rest on more cd’s

good luck n happy listening

Listening to my Sony SCD-1 vset modded Level 5+ tonight and it always puts a smile on my face. Listening to Dark Side of the Moon on SACD is always a treat.

Another +vote for CDP. And SACD player too!

Happy Listening!

Ripped CDs have the convenience and better portability.  Many claim a good CDP sounds better, though.  For CD playing, I’d go with the PS Audio DirectStream DAC paired with their Perfect Wave SACD transport, $12,500 for the pair.  The DAC is a Stereophile A+ rated model.  If you can wait a few months, PS Audio should have a MK II version of the DAC out in the December to March time frame, and although pricing hasn’t been announced, I expect that to increase the package price by $1000-$1500.  The MK II will be FGPA based, like it’s predecessor, but have a lot more room on the arrays for great programmability.