DAC to match $2-3K CD player

Just to add...

Work on the British street is Rega is getting ready to release a DAC that's at least on par with the Saturn, and may better it. Estimated at 500 GBP, or $1k. As to when it'll be available is anyone's guess.

The Arcam rDAC at $479 reportedly is on par with the CD37. That should be out soon too.

Thanks, Kbarkamian, your suggestions are really helpful. In my very limited experience, I think you're absolutely right about budget DACs. I'm very happy with the CD5x now, but W4S (sooner) and Naim (later) sound like strong contenders. Interesting that no one mentioned the Benchmark DAC-1.

The Benchmark is a very good DAC. Sound preferences are a different story. Synergy also plays a big part. In my Bryston and Audio Physic system, the Benchmark would be horrible. Everything is too revealing of it. The Benchmark sounded very etched and strident in a dealer's Bryston/AP system. In a Mac/B&W system, it sounded great.

The BDA-1 is very honest, yet remains smooth and musical. A very interesting and delicate balance that works magnificently IMO.

I tend to shy away from anything I can't hear before buying, unless I can sell/return it for little or no loss. Synergy will make or break a source or any other component IMO.

I've heard the entry level DACs and wanted them to out perform my Rega Apollo. I'd have been able to sell the Apollo, get better sound, and have a few bucks left over for a new CD or three. Needless to say, the Apollo hasn't been replaced. I think the CD5x is a good deal better than the Apollo. It would have been my next upgrade had the whole music server thing not been my latest foray.

Everyone's ears are different. People rave about the V-DAC and call it a giant killer. I have no idea what they're used to. Its great for $300, but won't come close to replacing any decent $1k-ish CDP I've ever heard. Same can be said for the DACmagic and PS DLIII.

Just my opinion.

Looking back at your last few posts, I'd say save up for a true upgrade to the CD5x. I haven't heard the W4S DAC, but I'm pretty sure it'll be different sounding than the CD5x. If you like your CD5x, I'm pretty confident that you'll love the Naim DAC. Skip a step, it'll save you some money in the long run. If the CD5x is your main source and is working very well, no point in buying something just to buy something IMO.

That's why I've held onto my Theta Cobalt DAC. When the Rega DAC comes out, the Theta and Apollo will get sold off. Until then, no need to change anything for the sake of what people tell me is 'better.'

Thanks again, Kbarkamian. That strikes me as very good advice, especially as I'm very happy with the CD5x (it is my main source; normally, I use the Squeezebox for Pandora or internet radio only). I'm in no hurry to change it.