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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
stuartk
2,994 posts
 
@mozartfan:

I had a Jolida JD100 for quite awhile -- I'm sure it was no competition for the Cayin!

tweak1
3,679 posts
 
Laser light scattering inside the disc screws with the ability to read the discs.  Machina Dynamica sells a mica looking material that you cut to fit your tray. AMAZING
jdal
161 posts
 
I just ordered the Bryston BCD-3 CD Player a few days ago. The majority of my listening has been listening to  LPs. I like swapping cartridges (Lrya, Ortofon and Kiseki). I do have over 2000 CDs, and the many of the classical CDs are not available on vinyl.

Many years ago I set up a Mac Mini music server. I bought a Wavelength Crimson Dac, and it does sound very good. There’s nothing like triode tubes for an output stage. But I haven’t used this setup in a long time. I prefer playing physical media. 
bobheinatz OP
725 posts
 
Thank you for all that contributed to this thread.  I have decided to buy a nice DAC and dedicated transport.  I will be looking at Dac's in the $5k - $8k range.  So many choices!
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 



bobheinatz OPThank you for all that contributed to this thread. I have decided to buy a nice DAC and dedicated transport. I will be looking at Dac’s in the $5k - $8k range.


For the DAC you can’t go past this then "at any price" for your 500+ CD’s , the "Holo May" R2R Multibit, Stereophile said it one of the best they’ve ever measured /heard. Then you’ve got $3k for a good transport, which is plenty.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/holoaudio-may-level-3-da-processor

Cheers George
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