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Need New CD Player or new DAC

I need a new cd player. Been looking at the forum and the threads are all pretty old. I have a couple right now. I have a Marantz 6005, an old Calfornia Audio cd player and a Sony DVD player with the drop down face. Also a Pioneer cd recorder. I also have a Emotiva DAC XD-2. Using the Marantz right now but thought I would see if there is a more musical cd player. Been listening to a lot of vinyl lately and like that analog sound. Should I switch cd players or get a better DAC or keep what I got because there won't be that much difference. Any help would be much appreciated.
128x128dylanfan
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
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.
mesch
3,481 posts
 
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.
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
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?
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
We still don't know your budget, but you could try some tubes. The Jolida sounds very nice.

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-229971-jolida-glass-fx-tube-dac-iii-w.aspx?utm_source=googlepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=71308431356&gclid=CjwKEAjw7O6vBRDpi7O-8OWSkwESJACNFsgxThCEcY9DXGYmAagWsez8JIcXj3GDZolpperYJ8rtrRoC0vDw_wcB
dylanfan's avatar
dylanfan OP
139 posts
 
Trying to keep the budget around 1000.00. New or used. My Emotiva is too bright and wears on me listening to it.
I want a more analog sound that is maybe not possible from the digital source but looking for something more natural.
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