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Time to upgrade CD transport and/or DAC?

This question has probably been asked eleventy billion times before, so forgive me if I'm not asking anything new.

For about the past 6-8 years I've been running an Audio Research CD-1 transport with a Timbre Technology DAC (balanced outputs on both). Something tells me I might benefit from replacing them with a more recent all-in-one CD player like the Cary 306/200, Ayre 7ex or Sony 777ES/9000ES--or any other equally high quality player. Or, I could simply upgrade the DAC with something more recent featuring upsampling like the Benchmark DAC or whatever.

I'm wide open to recommendations, except I'm not willing to go overboard on the $$$. Preferably, I'd buy a recent used model her on 'Gon.

Thanks for your thoughts.
output555
robm321
932 posts
 
I don't think you could go wrong with any of the ones you mentioned. But since you already have the transport and digital cable, I think you'd benefit from an upgraded DAC.

There is a lot of info on DACs in these forums.

Good luck! Happy upgrading lol
teajay
1,713 posts
 
Output555, I would believe you would get a great change by getting a new DAC. The Bel Canto II is my favorite below the $1000.00 mark, I find it more musical/organic sounding then the Benchmark DAC. If in your budget a great step up is either a used Ensemble DAC, around $3500.00 or either a Reimyo or Accustic Arts DAC around $5000.00. All great sounding pieces, but they do have different sonic signatures, so personnal taste/system synergy does come into play.
bryanhod
211 posts
 
If you can get a Reimyo DAP-777 DAC, you will think you are listening to vinyl. I love mine.

hassel
248 posts
 
I agree with getting a new Dac will get you the most. Aside from the Benchmark, take a look at the Grace M902, or go for a used Chord DAC64
benie
147 posts
 
I havn't heard a lot of different DACs, but I picked up a Benchmark resently And I my Digtial Play back has taken a leap forward. But if you can I recommend trying it by it's self without a preamp, I found it to be much better.
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