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CDP or DAC?

I want to get back to playing and enjoying my 500+ cd's!  Been listening 95% of the time to a nice high end turntable $15k+ setup but would also like to have the option of listening to my cd collection to where it sounds at least competitive with my vinyl enjoyment.

I have no interest in streaming just playing cd's.   Does it make more sense to go with a cdp or transport and separate dac?

Budget $5 - $15k.  Thoughts
bobheinatz
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
bobheinatz


For your PCM CD’s 16/44 24/96 and DXD you wont’s better "bit perfect" R2R multibit conversion.
Forget the others they only give a facsimile of PCM, but are good though for dsd/sacd

If you like your vinyl sound then go for a one of the many now discrete R2R multibit dacs out there, at the moment the Holo May would be my choice for your budget
https://www.stereophile.com/content/holoaudio-may-level-3-da-processor
and wait hopefully for not too much longer the Shiit UrD transport to be released,
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/schiit-cd-transport-on-the-cards-soon
If not the Cambridge CXC mkII will suffice.

Cheers George
jl35
3,976 posts
 
great units of both types available in your price range...to me, part of the decision involves whether changing the DAC every few years is of interest to you...
bobheinatz OP
718 posts
 
Thanks, I like the Cambridge option. Keep them coming!
bobheinatz OP
718 posts
 
The Less Loss Echo End Original looks very interesting anyone hear that Dac?  Audio Note Dacs?
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