Please help for performance with low cash......


For reasons beyond my control I am for lack of better word "poor" and I want to get the best CD play as possible for the money.....$300 or less. As I see it I have a few options but need to know the best one from you more experienced folks.

1) I could buy a used higher quality DVD/CD or a stand alone CD player (wich is another box on the rack and WAF ISSUES) and ALSO be at the mercy of an aged unit.

2) I could have my Samsung HD841 moddified, but the price goes from $150.00 to upwards of 1k and I am not sure exactly who does the best mod's, or how well the mods will perform when done.

3) I can buy a DAC and use my Rotel Processor feature wich will allow a 2 channel bypass of everything except the volume control.

I would like to know what opinions you have on best choice out of these options, the only other idea I have is to do a DIY upgrade to the Sammy's power supply, and dampen it a bit (wich is only a partial mod that I could do myself) and use an external DAC on top of it.

I know none of these options are gonna be the best performance out there, but what out of these is the BEST option I have being in my position?

thaks again for helping me out..Chad
chadnliz
Just noticed you have a Rotel processor. I'd try it to see if I liked it. Rotel has a good reputation in this area. Definitely worth a try.
Hi Chadnliz
If you don't already own a high performance support, you'll obtain results equal to or better than any mod or component upgrade by giving what gear you already have the opportunity to perform their functions to the maximum of their potential.
The best low cost,bang-for-buck means of accomplishing this is to fabricate a low mass support based on IKEA's cheap and cheery Lack sidetables.For well under $100, a few tools and your time, you'd reap significant sonic and musical benefits to both your sources and your amplification all in one shot.

best,
Ken Lyon
GreaterRanges/Neuance

http://gallery.audioasylum.com/cgi/view.mpl?u=31915&f=DIY_Ikea_Lyte_Rack_007.jpg&v=f&UserImages=31915&session=&&moniker=RioTubes&invite=&w=802&h=1069
I'll third the Onix XCD-88. About $320 shipped, 3 yr warranty. Add a pair of opa627 opamps later and you've got a CD player that will compete with $1000 models.