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Recommendations for CD Player/DAC Combo

I was slightly surprised that there isn't a very large selection of CD player/DAC combos out there.  Yamaha, Marantz, Musical Fidelity, and a few others make them, but not many other companies.  It seems like building a cd player into a DAC makes a lot of sense, like an integrated amp.  Can anyone recommend one these?  My budget would $3000 tops.  Thanks, J
tyan42
mahler123
3,648 posts
 

Uber

I use a Pioneer Elite CD/DVD-A/SACD Player, vintage 2004, in my surround system, paired with a Pioneer Elite receiver that uses an “I link” to pair the two.  It’s a remarkably good system for “mid-Fi” gear.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
@mahler123

Very impressed with mine and yes I read you could pair it with a Pioneer receiver and use one remote to control both. Mine is 2000 vintage.
tyan42 OP
75 posts
 
When you say "spinners", are you just saying CD Transport?  Sorry, that's probably a dumb question. 

I guess all I saw were the advantages of the one unit CD/DAC, but I really hadn't considered all the other advantages of having "separates".  There's a lot to consider now that whole transport thing might be the best.    
mahler123
3,648 posts
 
OP

spinner could mean CD transport, or refer to a full CD Player.  It’s to distinguish from Computer Audio, although technically, some types of Hard Drives actually spin as well...
  More importantly, if you go the separate route, you will have a lot more options than sticking with a CD player availability .  And you will gain flexibility, because DACs can be used with other sources as Computers and potentially as streamers as well.
jl35
4,230 posts
 
for most listening I use my main transport and DAC, but occasionally like to run my inexpensive changer through my DAC for extended casual listening...
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