itzhak1969103 posts02-17-2017 7:12amThe correct way to go is a pure CD transport and a dedicated DAC this will give you the best sound.With $400? And simply having a separate transport/dac doesn't automatically mean it is superior to a single box player. I had a $20kUS budget when I bought my cdp and went for a single box Vitus SCD-025 Mk2 over a mint 2nd hand Emm Labs transport/dac combo offered to me around the same price.
Having a separate transport and dac conceptually is the ideal, but it's not the be all and end all. It comes down to implementation. But yes, once you get up to flagship products, a separate transport and dac can get you that last 10-15% performance.