Outboard DAC will almost always be better. In my particular case, I am also getting the analog output amplification designed by Krell, double sided circuit board and made in USA w/an out board transformer (Chinese made). The DAC sounds like a Krell! Deep, tight bass, visceral horn sections, vocals float w/out tube euphonics. So, I am essentially getting a Krell preamp, too!
My under $1000 analog rig will get totally setup soon...will put the European glass and particle board TTs to shame!
Regards, |
I'll sell you my awfully good original Rotel 855 with the heavy transport and recent factory mod of new analogue stage and motor, for $250; prefer you add the Neuance Alpha I mated to it for another $80.
Don't know if I'm breaking a rule here, but I couldn't find a more pleasing CDP than this for under $1500. Had to buy an EMC-1 MkII to finally better it. Lemme know. Ern |
That's a nice setup!!! :)
is worth it to get an outboard DAC ?
i mean..150$ for a DAC ..will it be as good as a 6-700$ all in CD player ?
better ?
ehhe how to know what is good and waht is not good on a cd player ??
i mean ..is it better to get a cheaper transport and upgrade it all ? or get a complete higher priced CD ?
thanks again .. |
Listen to the Psychic...
I can't tell you what to buy--you'll have to ask Miss Cleo for that! However, I can tell you what I did for ~$500:
Cambridge D300SE as transport ($224)
Absolute Power Cord ($40)
Ikea remnant board ($3.50)
Used Mappleshade Triple Point Cones ($65)
Ikea 2" thick cutting board ($19.99)
Sound Quest Isol Pads ($16.50)
Phoenix Gold digital cable, 2m ($50)
Soundstream/Krell DAC-1 w/outboard power supply ($175)
Phoenix Gold interconnects ($55).
Tiptoes, another Ikea remnant board as platform for the DAC
and four vibrapods underneath.
The sound is clear and detailed; hard to beat for the money. The Soundstream/Krell DAC-1 is on Dutch auction right now...
Not bad, eh? |
For upside potential, consider the Sony SCD-C333ES. Recently discontinued, it can be found for $500, versus list $1200. After a long burn-in, it sounds very good on standard CDs and excellent on SACDs. It is a high resolution device that will fit with upgraded electronics. |
I would look for an original Rega Planet (not 2000 edition) They are now going for under $500. Very nice machine even at the original $795 price. |
a third on the Cal Icon and Rega Planet
and these can be used as transports when you upgrade to a better dac
Tom |
I was in same boat as you before-
following are some good ones
used Audio Refinement Complete CD, Rega Planet 2000, Arcam CD72, Ah! Tjoeb4000 to name a few.
I'd also recommend a good/cheap DVD player like Pioneer 343(frm ebay) and get it modded by Dan Wright-the total should be $500ish.
Good luck! |
i drive an '01 s2000 (silver/red)...and i race it pretty often: autox, prosolo, & track (road course). 5G preludes are sweet too.
sorry i can't be help with cd players (i have a 508.24). good luck. |
S2k_dude : this receiver is temp as i didn't have anything else better sounding :p
ehhe
it'll be replace soon with something like a small classe amp or a simiplar cost tube amp ..i want a still decent cd player cause i'll see a diff when i'll upgrade amp that's for sure!
Between S2k : ?? honda S2k ? nice car if that's reason ur nick :) hehe , me got lude 2k :)
do you race it ?
thanks for the input guys :) |
You will reciever or not hear the diff between a good or bad cd player.The Ah is a good choice. |
I second the CAL Ikon. Could be had for less than $500 and you could begin saving for an integrated amp. |
Look for a Cal Ikon, Rega Planet 2000, Arcam Alpha 8se or Alpha 9se (this great player is sometimes sold used very cheap 500-700 even though it cost over $1500 new). Otherwise you could get a good new player from Cambridge Audio. there is also a player with a name like Ah! Njobe that upscale audio sells and many people love for the money. |
with a receiver, i doubt you could hear the differences between (most) CD players anyway. but...for you budget, you might find a good used adcom/nad/rotel? can't say which of their models are better than others. |
