2. analog
  3. 1201030210

Digital to Analog-Converter needed?

I recently purchased an Aragon 8008BB amplifier and will be pairing it with my B&W 802 series 80 speakers. I have an Audible Illusions 2D preamp but I need a new CD player.
Because my equipment is analog I am wondering how to best proceed with the purchase of a CD player. Do I consider using a D2A converter such as an old Aragon D2A2 and match it up with any cd player (with a digital output)? Another consideration would be to use a CD player with a good analog output. Any Suggestions?
hififanatic
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
All cd players have digital to analog conerters (DAC's) built in, no need to buy one. Seperate DAC's were very popular in the 90's, but not as common today. You would only NEED a DAC if you buy a cd transport, which reads the disc only. A cd player has both the transport mechanism and DAC built into one unit, similar to an integrated amp has both preamp and amp functions.

Cheers,
John
hififanatic OP
5 posts
 
Thanks John! I have not bought a new CD player in 20 years and have not kept up on the changes.

Thank you,

Mike
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Hi Mike, just a point of clarification, a 'cd player' hasn't changed. 20 years ago, a cd player had a transport and DAC built in, just as it does today. The same way an integrated amp from 20 years ago had a preamp and amp built in, just as it does today.

DAC's became popular in the 90's, as folks went to digital seperates, just as folks go from integrated amps to seperates. I think the resurgence of vinyl, along with issues that came up from digital seperates such as 'jitter' and/or clock problems have led many back to cd players today. You can certainly still find digital seperates today, but they are not as widely used as they were in the 90's.

Cheers,
John
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