Biggest bang: add Behringer or replace CDP?

I hadn't noticed your 1200 dollar budget. With the extra money you could get a Bel Canto Dac 2, Benchmark or any number of other dacs that are truly excellent. That combination is you best bet in my opinion. Even if you're very lucky to have a room that is much better than average, say plus or minus 10db swings(this would be rare), I think my suggestion would offer you the most bang per buck. With the Marantz as a transport and a truly excellent dac you get a DEQ 2496 as a bonus.

The DEQ 2496 will make an amazing improvement to any system because, as your equipment becomes better and better the listening room becomes the dominant flaw. Even if you don't pass your signal through it, and use it only as a RTA, it's worth the $300. No reliability problem with my two units.

As usual Warren , your thoughtful useful and extensive answers are enlightning to many of us who shop for studied opinions on the Gon . Its great members like you that keep many of us here and not completely engulfed at the Asylum . Thanks again !

I guess you already know all the good things about DEQ2496. It is a also a very good DAC. If you are a tinkering type, the Behringer will give you the most enjoyment and you may even like its DAC over your CDP.

For $1,200, Benchmark DAC1 or TRL/Sony 2000 would represent higher level of sound reproduction, in two different flavors.

Good luck.

Brainwater: You're welcome. I just want to help and in this case I know by much experience that my opinion is more than likely the right one. After looking at your system I noticed that you have several which are very nice but nothing to help with this same issue. Try a Tact or even this Behringer, wait til you hear what you can do. I think you'll be impressed. After I tried it I wondered what the heck I had been waiting for and would have happily paid full retail as it's worth every penny. I now consider having a digital signal processor like this a necessity.