Confused - what to buy DAC or CD player?

I would check out the Sony DVD - 500 (whatever) DVD, CD, SACD player if you need DVD capability, other wise the 775 or the 222ES. The CD capability is acceptable, and the SACD sound can be very good indeed if the the recording is good (keb'Mo, for example). I have heard a number of DVD players into DACs and they just don't compare to my Wadia (a proper reference) on straight redbook playback. From what I understand there are too many compromises with the different circuits at that price point in a multimode source. Don't forget the importance of cables, either. YMMV.

It's important what kind of sound you like. CD players do sound different. If you like rock or big bass music, you want a totally different kind of CD/dac than if you like classical or easy listening (e.g. Bel Canto) type stuff. Also, the advantage of the transport-DAC approach is: 1) if you like spending the time to develop your system, 2) if
one of those breaks down (most likely the transport) but you really do your like DAC, then just replace the transport, and 3) with a separate trans/DAC, you can address the JITTER problem, as some of these replies already stated; you can get an AA DTI Pro, a Monarchy Audio or a Sonic F. jitter device, and these (so people say) ALWAYS seem to make the end result sound better than a budget CD player. But I would not recommend the Perpetual Technology P1a with most Dacs -- be careful there.
John

Hi Sol. I sold the Bel Canto DAC 1.1 earlier this year in favor of the latest Kora Hermes tube DAC. The Kora has a more expansive, fuller and equally detailed sound in comparison to the Bel Canto. It's smoother and more refined and has the benefit of allowing me to tube roll which has yielded some interesting results. Basically, letting me tailor the sound to my liking. But I must say that the Bel Canto is very good, it just depends on what sonic characteristics you're looking for.