Need New CD Player or new DAC

No place here in Oklahoma to Demo CD players. Most of my listening is done on cd and I have had these especially the Sony, Pioneer and California Audio for many years. I figured much progress has been made since these came out. Looking at Schiit Bit Frost dac and wondering if that would make more difference than a new CD player. Any dac recommendations or help would be appreciated.

I understand your questions but what you're asking can't be answered 3rd party. Its all subjective. I could give you a 10k CD player and a 1k player to compare and you may like the cheaper one better. And that would not be a rare occurrence either.

What were talking about here is not better or worse, its about different. I think that to give yourself the best chance of finding something you like, you'll need to do whatever you can to narrow down your choices. Maybe start by setting some goals as to what you want the new CD player to do sonically. What are you missing in your system that needs improvement? Also, and just as important, is to come up with qualities that you don't like. Set goals like this, you'll have a much easier time finding something you like.

It would also be a good idea to list your system and taste in music.

First of all, what is your budget? If the Marantz is in good shape, then maybe the choice is to buy a DAC, a good cable, and use the CDP as a transport. Decide if the Marantz has a few more years of life.

If none of your CDPs are in good shape or too old, then you could move up to a high-end spinner.

Your 6005 can’t be very old. I would be inclined to go the DAC route with quality cable as suggested by Lowrider57. Buy a used DAC noted to have a good analog output stage. There are many used older DACs that sound very good, only lacking in their USB implementation. Seems you may not need USB input. Points made by Zd on 9/18 are valid regarding the purchase of either DAC or player.

Mesch I am looking at a new DAC. Is there a recommended DAC that has a good analog output stage. My Emotiva sound too bright to me. Not a natural sound.I prefer the Marantz straight rather than through the DAC. With the cd players I have I think a really good analog sounding DAC is what I really need. I know the Emotiva is not the answer. Hoping a better DAC would be the ticket. I like the USB inputs on the Marantz 6005 which is why I got it so I could play my IPOD through it as well if we are cooking out etc. Any good DAC recommendations?