Please Help

Scott.

I asked the similar question about 3 months ago and got so many responses it took some time to work through them all. The funny thing is I'm sure most of them were dead on ... I decided to go big and picked up a Levinson 360S DAC and I'm now saving for a new transport. I can tell you it sure made a huge difference however my system is quite a bit different than yours. One thing I would like to point out and; any other member's feel free to correct me on this. I purchased the 360S partially because it could handle a 24 bit digital input (SACD/DVD-A) but due to RIAA concerns such a thing does not exist. If you plan on going to 24 bit sound ... better stick with a single unit with analog outputs.

As for the 360S; I like the multiple inputs - I run the PC, DVD and my Redbook transport through it and get fantastic results. I think the 36S would have been a better fit as I use it mostly for Redbook CD now and the 24 bit driven analog out "ain't happening".

One concern about going with a separate DAC is jitter.
I read up on jitter because I kept seeing it referenced as a potential problem when you separate the transport and DAC:

Here is an good overview if it's not a term you are familiar with:

(http://www.wadia.com/technology/clocklink/sld002.htm)

I can tell you I'm running a pretty simple transport (Rotel RCD-1070) and my system exhibits NONE of the described effects that I have read about in terms of jitter ... in fact it's very, very detailed and accurate. High frequency was dramatically improved and I hate to sound like an ad but I really can hear things on CD's I had never heard before. I connect the two with a coaxial "Silver Resolution" cable I bought from Signal Cable. All that being said - I spent too much.

Are you looking at Redbook playback, SACD/DVD-A, DVD-V? At your price range I would lean towards a good single unit. Your budget puts you into some nice players. If it's mostly Redbook I like tubed output, if it's a multi format player I hear good things about the Denon 3910 ... you might be abled to pick up a used untit with a level one mod. I emiled a member who went that route and swears it's the best of everything. The good thing about Agon is you can buy, try and if it's not for you - resell and try something else.
Good Luck!

The Horse

I would strongly suggest going the music server route if you already have a pc or a laptop. I've read many great reviews on the Wavelength USB DACs, as well as others.

If you are new to this hobby AND only have $1,500 to spend don't even think about separtes. You can get an awesome used CDP for $1,500 but separates are consumed by those with lots of experience who know EXACTLY what they're looking for and can tweak their system by swapping in/out transports and DACs. Also, good ones are expensive, even used.

Also, stick with name brands to start: Cary, Audio Research, Sony, etc.

Also decide if you want only Redbook, SACD, Mulitiplayer etc.

Also, I've found power cords to be a good tweak but that's about it relative to other links in the chain (e.g., Interconnects, Tubes, Speaker Cables, Isolation, etc.). Further, power conditioning needs will depend on your situation. For instance, I live in a pretty rural area and have a dedicated line into my room. So, not much need for conditioning. If you live in an apartment building in NYC and everyone in your building has power tools, computers etc. running all the time and you live next to a radio station...different story.

I would recomend the 2 piece route, Transport and DAC.

Theta made an execelent transport in the Data Basic II. It comes up for sale on audiogon ocasionally for $550-$600.

That leaves the DAC I have the Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista there are 2 on the gon right now. 1 lists for $1200 the other for $1500. If you go this route make sure the original owner has a set of spare tubes as the tubes will only last for about 10 years if you leave your DAC on 24/7 like I do.

There are 2 benchmark DAC's listed on the gon right now in the $800.00 range which would make an execelent compliment for the theta which would put you at approx $1400.00.

Then you need a digital cable lot of debate here but I do agree that it should be a 1.5 meter cable to help reduce jitter.

Good Luck in your search.

Michael