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Separate Transport & DAC: Why not?

Hello: While searching related topics I've run across a growing number of posts that discourage the notion of a separate transport and dac. The most common reasons given has to do with "more": more wires, longer, more complex signal path, etc. What are your opinions, pro and con and the reasoning behind them? If, though, this topic has been already addressed in detail, perhaps someone has post a link to that thread? FWIW, I've come across a great Pass Labs D1 and I'm wondering whether I should find a nice transport or perhaps sell the D1 and buy a CD player. Thanks!
veloceracing

Showing 1 response by budrew

budrew
467 posts
 
The best digital setups that I have heard have all been separates, except for the Exemplar Denon 2900 which is an oustanding one box modded player. In general I don't buy the less is more argument in this case because it does not ring true with my experience. I'd say it has to do more with the overall design of the components than the simplicity of the path. Using a separate DAC and transport is more expensive and real estate intensive, but each component can be tailored more precisely to its needs.

That said, it's very nice to have a great one box player for the simplicity and I wish they all were!
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