Will a new Dac improve the sound?

@garypick 

I just upgraded my DAC from a 2017 Meridian Explorer 2 (well-regarded desktop piece at the time)

Tried two different replacements. First was the new iFi Zen Dac Signature v2. Instantly audible improvement in all respects - five years of technological progress at desktop level. It could be an inexpensive “experiment” to see what passage of time has done to DACs. Probably need to check inputs to insure compatibility. I think easy to return if bought off Amazon - falls into the “why not try?” category of experiments

Second was Benchmark DAC3 HGC. Reaction: “oh, THAT’S what a DAC is supposed to sound like”. Not going to bother with all the adjectives. Kept it, love it.  More than your budget but I think DAC2s may be going for the right price (most of my rig is 2nd hand). Again, check connection compatibility. No MQA, to the extent you are looking for that feature. Many, many choices at that price level, of course

I use Roon/Tidal, so can’t comment on CD transport stuff, or differences between digital outputs

Haven’t done much comparison on cabling - I use Kimber “Ascent” level (2nd level from bottom) for everything - good materials, well constructed - seems sufficient to me. Let’s me keep cabling to 10% of system cost. If it were me, I’d just buy I new CD player (incl DAC) at higher budget, rather than redo cabling

Let us know what you try along the way & what you decide to to!

Have a great day

Get a used or new MHDT Atlantis R2R dac, or Pagoda if in price range. Get adapters to use 6dj8 family tubes in the 5670 sockets, and get a nice 6922, ecc88, 7308, 6n23P, CCa tube for the output buffer. Your CDP will sound more amazing than you ever imagined. Buy a really good s/pdif cable, Enjoy.

Phil

I believe yes! DAC’s change the sound for better or worse. Cannot deny by introducing a new component that differences will appear. I like my Naim nDAC It’s loaded up with great sound and functionality. 4 optical, 2 RCA, 2 BNC and 2 USB A inputs. It can charge also your phone :-) Plays all formats even Apple losless. Massive power supply and I just ordered an XPS power supply for it. The current interior DAC Transformer has three stiff power rails. It will handle the front digital aspects. The XPS Power Supply brings 6 quiet stiff DC rails and provide6 stiff power rails of DC to the quiet analogzecrion. Auditioning Power cables soon and learning abot the "Burndy" cable.

There is an nDAC listed on Audiogon. Burr Brown 1740K DAC chips. Naim has purchased the remaining stock of the chips to be able to continue to service a repair their $20,000 CD555 and matching PS 555 DR Power supply for the future. The same Burr Brown chip-set in the CD555 are shared the nDAC making it a very formidable piece and still serviceable. The nDAC can be upgraded by using Naim power Cables and different and more powerful and expensive power supplies. Naim has researched and listened to customer feedback and guaged the performance atbeach level. The nDAC sound bad ass without the additional power supplies and many folks are satisfied with its performance especially when using Naim’s high quality DIN Cables.

Another suggestion for the purchase of a MHDT DAC. Excellent products that fit into your budget.  Start with the use of your CD player as a transport. Then consider transport upgrade. Opportunity to experience benefits of each upgrade and consider streaming/server options. Dial in the majority of the frequency range then explore need for better bass.