New dac or cd player


I currently have a sony dvp-s7700. This cd player has worked very well over the years but I feel it is time to make a change in my source that I use most often. Curious as to what fellow agoner suggest concerning going with a dac and keep my sony or purchsing a new cd player (used)

The rest of my system entales a classe twenty pre, audio research d-60 amp, thiel 1.5 speakers, music hall mmf5 TT, project phone box.

I was thinking more towards a dac. I feel that the sony dvp-s7700 has a fine transport and there is no sence in paying for another. I also have a budget of about $500.

Let me know your thoughts. New-Used cd player, or separate dac from my sony.

Always appreciated.

Chris
tiggerpooh
Chris, I believe you will get a greater bang for your sonic buck by using your Sony as a transport and getting a DAC. In your budget range see if you could get either a used/demo Benchmark or Bel Canto 2. They are both outstanding, I prefer the Bel Canto because I find it as detailed as the Benchmark but warmer with more liquidity to my ear's. It's personnal taste/system synergy which is really the final criteria in the long run, so your ear's have to decide which "flavor" you like best.
I agree with Teajay but remember to get a good digital cable also.

Happy Listening.
Even used,that budget(dac and cable?) limits you to most likely a backward step.
Go with the Dac. You can get a great Dac for under $500 that far exceeds the Dac section and output of even a $2500 player. You just have to know what to look for.

Have fun