Will a new Dac improve the sound?


I have an older CD player( Cary CDP1) . It sounds good ,but would a new or used Dac in the line improve the sound? Looking at Dacs in the $600 - $1200 range. I know the other equipment would also matter in the outcome, but as a general question......do you think this would be an upgrade to the sound? Or should i go another route?

GP

garypick

Are you suggesting to reduce your Cary Audio player with its Class A analog section to a CD transport?  If all is working well, that's a testament to build quality and be glad you own it.  

That said, why not go ahead and try a new DAC or two? Just remember you are limited to digital outputs of Toslink or Coax.  To avoid clocking issues look for asynchronous mode DACs, but only the newer (and pricier) ones will offer this for a Coax input.  Then, unless you also add a high resolution source, you will be underutilizing your new expensive DAC with only 16/44.

Ripping your CDs to a hard drive on a music server and adding hi- res streaming apps is another option, to be that separate audio source.

Another good path might be to sell your Cary and buy one of the newer CD players that offer the latest technology, as well as integrated USB and ethernet streaming options.

It might. Or not. Only you can determine if it is worth the journey.

Happy trails.

op

if you want a serious, semi-informed answer from the rest of us here, you need to say alot more...

posed as it is, it is like asking, in general, will my food taste better if i add salt?

impossible to answer...

Fair enough jjs49

 I have the Cary CDP1 , Acoustat amp Trans nova Twin 200, Acoustat pre Trans Nova, and an older Pioneer TT. Being rather new to the Acoustats , i guess i'm wondering what would be a good fit to bring out the best sound possible with a digital source.

GP