CDP or DAC?
500 cd's sound like something you could rip. I would go that route. Either buy a server that can rip directly or buy a small computer (if you don't have one) for ripping and a server for playing music. Add a good dac if that is not built into the server. If you don't want to rip everything then I would recommend a CDP + dac. |
I posted that comment about CD players and ran out the door so yes if ARC has backup transports that’s good but if they don’t you're basically out of luck. And its good it has digital inputs that greatly enhances the functionality. My comment wasn’t really a dig at ARC the same thing has happened with Wadia they can’t or won’t repair older models due to no parts being available. Not sure about streamer longevity but I will say I’ve run my streamer, an Auralic Aries Mini, for 5 years pretty much nonstop with no issues, knock on wood. |
Have a look at the www.cocktailaudio.com products. Transports, streamer and DAC (+ ripper if needed). I found them on the web by a fluke and bought the X45 Pro and it is very good. AG 🇦🇺 |
this isn’t what the op is inquiring about, but to the discussion immediately below, one must remember that cd’s bear the music for the owner, like owning the music files, while streaming is hearing the music sent to you by the owner/provider wifi, internet or lan goes down, the cdp will let you hear the music you own if your hard drive or local computer goes down, or gets corrupted, then the music files you thought you had available can be lost yes you can lose or damage a cd too... but in that physical form it is more durable and permanently accessible |
"Unless you just like futzing with physical media there is no fundamental benefit." Well, I guess I'm old-fashioned and clearly, the "futzing" and the "benefit" are in the mind of the beholder! I like books-- forget the kindle-- and I like CDs. There's something very reassuring about being able to grab a title from a wall of cds, actually hold it in my hand, read liner notes for the umpteenth time, etc.Maybe there's ritualized aspect I find comforting but I liked analog gauges on my dashboard, way back when and I can't see that in terms of ritual. I'd rather wash a carrot and cut it up with a knife than buy a bag of pre-washed, pre-sized, pre-peeled, ready-to-eat "karits". The last thing I want is for my audio system to feel like one more damned computer interface. . .as if they're aren't enough of those that I have to contend with, already. Won't be long before we're all born with a keyboard implanted in one arm and a screen in the other. . . gonna have to memorize passwords for all the basic bodily functions... I'm in no hurry to go there ! To paraphrase the Kinks: "I'm a twenty-first century man but I don't wanna be here". |
In the price range up to $15K you can get a excellent sounding digital system with CDT & DAC. The Pro-Ject audio CDT is an excellent source. There are a few reference DACs that will compete with your vinyl rig in that price range. The R2Rs DACs can be something special but just because there is an R2R does not mean anything if not if utilizing a proper design. In our comparisons the 6SN7 Sabre chip DAC sounds just as good as our DHT R2R DAC , it is a much simpler design but just has a different flavor to the sound. Happy Listening. |
Hi, i head the same issue 2 years a go, CDA or CD player, my approach was Booth. I've decidem to go for a 2nd Hand cp player unit, and spend most of the money on the best DAC/Streamer I could. Currently it is easy to find a great CD player that can work has a transports, no the DAC sido that is not só true. The digital world is currently going in the streaming direction, if that is good or bad, is debatable. For shore I Will keep buying CDs. Hoje it help Fil |
@jond … I am sure Audio Research has a huge supply of transports for repair so their customers never become boat anchor owners… it is a reputable company. Also, I actually do not use the transport part, I use it as a DAC. I had a Berkeley Alpha 3 ($22K) in my system for comparison for a couple weeks. The difference in sound was absolutely minuscule in my system, but I preferred the ARC. I have compared CDs to streaming the same content, on my system and there is no difference. CDs as a media will go away and less and less companies will make them. So, buying the CD player for the sound of the DAC is really what you are doing unless it is a transport only. There is no fundamental difference in the media like there is in analog. The CD just has digital files on them. Unless you just like futzing with physical media there is no fundamental benefit. |
Jond, I would say that there are still reputable compaines (aldo perhaps with pricey products) that will offer excellent cd players and provide service for it for years to come. Now, we are already speaking about 'death of pc audio' as streamers are new 'hit' on the market, but still with some imminent problems. Imho, the 'pc audio' (in one way or another) has never become the 'buy it and forget about it ' package. Too many variables, in software and in 'hardware' too. That does not mean that it cant sound good (or great) but more often than not, it requires more time and effort (money too) than great vinyl rig, yet alone use of a cd player. Arguments for it, acces to more music, ease and speed of use, etc, were never an issues for me at first place, but that is just my personal opinion |
If you want to get close to analog I recommend an Audio Research CD9se. This is the best sounding CD player / DAC I have heard. The tubes allow for a wonderful midrange bloom and natural analog sound. I actually did a side by side comparison with a DAC costing $5K more and actually preferred the natural sound of the CD9se better. ARC stopped manufacturing them recently because the company producing the transports stopped making them. But it should still be possible to find one, or used. |
It is a very interesting question, since there are not many brands that are still producing and selling cd players. Your choise, to name the few obvious ones, could be between the likes of Accuphase,Burmester, Dcs, Esoteric, Luxman, Metronome,Meridian or Luxman (some others as well, I guess) I had similar dilemma recently and I have choosen single unit, Burmester 089.(had Metroneome, Dcs and Burmester before, as well) I would be very curious to read any ’shoot out’ between single players and combos that are in that price range. I guess that only by comparing them you will find out what sounds better for you. I shop at the dealer who holds many brands and who gives the opportunity to try the units at home. At one point I was considering Rockna Dac and some transport. His advice, in my case (my collection is mostly jazz from 50’s and 60’s) was that for ’my’ music and that ’production’ ,dedicated red book cd player and not dac, is ’better’ solution, since many of dacs sound best with dsd, hi rez or other and were not made to play the rb primarily. Also, not many really 'high class' transports are there to be found as well. Than again, maybe he was just trying to sell me the cd player, as it is a not a much sought product now,ha,ha. |
OP, at your budget you have outstanding alternatives. I would favor the transport-DAC route since DAC technology evolves and every few years a new development may strike your fancy. Also if you ever decide to add other digital sources such as a streamer then you are set to go. I would spend 1/3 on the budget and 2/3 on the DAC |
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. |
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. |
Seems to me you'll have greater flexibility in terms of pleasing your ears if you go with separates. DACs can vary enormously in their presentation. John Darko once used a "cake" analogy, contrasting those who prefer to "taste cake" to those who prefer to "taste flour, sugar, butter and eggs". If you're used to vinyl, you may find a good many DACs are too clinical in terms of breaking the music down into its constituent "ingredients". . . or, you may find their ultra-resolution very exciting. Who knows? You'll have to demo some and see. If you know you prefer to "taste cake", I'd second the R2R recommendation. BTW; like two other posters, here, I use the Moon 260DT (transport version). |
My Audio Note Dac may be the best purchase I’ve made for my system. I have a DAC2.1x Signature which I had upgraded by an authorised service specialist. It's paired with a PS Audio PWT transport. Sublime sonics, smooth, with outstanding realism. With your budget, you should be looking at a Level 3 or 4 (used) Dac. |
I use a Mojo Audio EVO DAC (base version) r2r design with a SimAudio 260DT (transport only version) . To my ears very engaging sound. For what it is worth I had the Cambridge transport in my system prior to getting the Mojo and while it was a pretty good match with the EVO moving up to the SimAudio gave more body and weight to the music . I’d recommend getting a transport that is more commensurate with the DAC of your choosing- YMMV |
I picked up a used Moon Audio 260D -- which is both a CDP and transport -- some months back, and couldn't be happier. I love it both when used as a player and when streaming into the DAC. I believe it costs about $3,300 new these days, but can be had for a tad less than half that used, should you get lucky. I'll say this for sure: I've been playing CDs that I've had forever, and have been enjoying many of them as never before. (No affiliation with Moon Audio, needless to say -- just a happy listener.) -- Howard |
I have the Cambridge CXC and like it a lot. The remote is not great but you can find a substitute. In your budget range and preferences, I would suggest an Audio Tubadour: https://www.audiomirror.com/product-page/tubadour-iii-se-nonoversampling-tube-dac-2500 I have the MHDT Orchid which I love, at a lower price point. |
bobheinatz For your PCM CD’s 16/44 24/96 and DXD you wont’s better "bit perfect" R2R multibit conversion. Forget the others they only give a facsimile of PCM, but are good though for dsd/sacd If you like your vinyl sound then go for a one of the many now discrete R2R multibit dacs out there, at the moment the Holo May would be my choice for your budget https://www.stereophile.com/content/holoaudio-may-level-3-da-processor and wait hopefully for not too much longer the Shiit UrD transport to be released, https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/schiit-cd-transport-on-the-cards-soon If not the Cambridge CXC mkII will suffice. Cheers George |
