How do I decide on a CD player or adding a dac?

I have a guy that is going to take my stereo Khartago Extreem for a few weeks. I would love to give that thing a try. It looks cool too. I was hoping to listen to a couple of these budget dacs in my system, but with no luck.
Did i understand that you were able to buy this for $350, but it is $1200. That would be way outa my range.
I read about the attraction before, and thought I was misunderstanding what it was claiming.

If anyone has a Dac to demo, or if you are in Ohio and I can come and listen, drop me an email.

Thanks again for the insight.

BYW what other DAC and players have you had in the past?

You can contact Peter directly and get this DAC for the same price as me. You would be buying it directly from the designer bypassing the middle man. That's why it's so much cheaper. The only other DAC I had in my system was a Meridian DAC used with a Meridian Transport. I also used a QUAD 99 CDP alone and with the Meridian DAC,Adcom Cd player (can't remember the model), RAM modified Toshiba, RAM modified Pioneer and Arcam FMJ DV27. I forgot about the Sony DVP S7000..the analog outputs sucked on this player, sounding harsh and grainy too me. I'm sure it's a great transport though.

The Audio Sector DAC is my favorite of the lot. The Arcam is also another winner! The QUAD 99 CDP is a close third. It was the only unit I had that upsampled..which in the end was tiring too my ears over the long haul(especially when compared to NON-OS). The Toshiba RAM was in there some where with the Arcam and Quad 99 CDP..much smoother than the QUAD though. The RAM Pioneer is at the bottom of the group using analog outputs ,but is ultimately more reliable as a transport than any of the players I've mentioned besides the Meridian transport. The Meridian gear I owned was very well built but sounded very dry an analytical IMHO.

If you haven't picked one up by the time I get the other DAC. You're more than welcome to take it around the block for a spin. Peter mentions on DIY.com where one of his customers compared this DAC to his two Wadia players, Audio Note Dac Kit 1.1 with all BG and AN copper in oil caps and tantalum resistors, Bel Canto 2.0 and a Cal Audio Alpha DAC using a modded TL-2x transport. The customer prefered the Audio Sector Dac. It may not look like much..but the sound is very seductive...I'm sure you'll like it.

This is why I'm betting the Attraction DAC is also a solid performer without the flashy looks.

ATB,

Not trying to rock the boat, but did you ever consider an EQ? Most people here will disagree I'm sure, but what it's doing for my room is great. Not only that, I have the ability to listen to all kinds of stuff that was unlistenable before it's addition.

Nuguy, which EQ are you using?
Ed

I have an Audio Mirror DAC for sale if you decide to go that route. I used it for about 5 seconds. That was long enough to learn it will not work with my Comcast digital cable box.