Replace my DAC or not?


Hi folks--

Be kind to me, I've been out of the digital loop much too long.  I have recently started up listening again after I moved to my new home.  I now have space for listening my set up.  So, here's my question:  I am considering a new CD Transport (PS Audio or MCT450), but now have thought about whether my DAC needs an upgrade, too.  My DAC is a dCS Delius, which I bought new almost 20 years ago.  Nothing wrong with it, just don't know if I am listening to a Dinosaur compared with what is out there.  I would very much want to limit my upgrade to a new Transport only and not have to shell out $6k or more for a new Transport.  

Thank you for listening.  
mbiondo
Chip technology has come a long way in the last 20 years. If you have a high end audio dealer close by simply listen to your three favorite CD tracks you know by heart on your system and then go listen to them again through a moderately priced DAC at the dealer. You will know the answer immediately is my prediction.
Nothing wrong with the dCS Delius! An excellent DAC then and still excellent now! Stop worrying about the "sound" and get a good transport. Start enjoying listening to music again!
Today's profusion of DAC's at all price points is just marketing ploys to sell something "new" and get the gullible to spend their shekels! Use and enjoy what you have in the Delius - an excellent DAC!
Thank you, roberjerman.  I have been reading up on DACs lately, perhaps more than one needs to.  I think I have come to the same conclusion.  

I will have a chance to audition a Transport this week or next and can't wait to give my dCSa nice companion CD Transport that it merits.  
mbiondo -

I was also a fan of a vintage Theta Casanova, which for a while held it's own. Something changed over the past 5 years, specifically with the perfomance of RedBook sources.

That is where I think the real delta between vintage and modern DAC's lies. Vintage DACs for the most part (obviously I'm generalizing!) needed hi rez sources to sound good. That's not the case with a lot of new DAC's. In this I include Mytek and Schiit.

Not sure if this is related to better clocks and de-jitter technology of what, but it's really a wonder to listen to.

Best,


E