Old guy needs recommendation request for old CD players / DAC


I plan to use one of the following old CD players in my audio system and would like to know your recommendations on which one will provide better sonics and whether to use the DAC as well. The player will be used in an all-tube Conrad Johnson rig.

JVC XLZ-1050TN CD player (built like a battleship and highly reviewed in its time)
Oppo 980H DVD/CD player (also highly rated in its day)

MyDac DAC by Micromega

Thanks!

(pardon the heading, but I can't seem to remove the word 'request')

p_wolfe

I have the DV-981HD and a MyDac and the MyDac made the sound about 100% better.  I was a bit surprised at how much richer and smoother it made the sound.

 

can't speak for the other unit

 

mine is in a second system in a cabin in the mountains so didnt want high end hifi :)

 

An old CD player has a $50 dac built into it with old technology.  So long as they have a digital out to sent to a new DAC, they will work ok for a transport.

the jvc is a great unit with a very tubelike sound--i'm kicking myself for selling mine. i'd surmise the mydac will be much more resolving and detailed; whether it sounds "better" is of course purely subjective.

I do not recommend old CD players. Lasers have a limited life and the loading mechanisms can be failure prone with no replacements available. Buy a modern new player, there are good ones in every price range. 

I tend to agree with @russ69 , but if you do go for one you listed, the JVC is a better bet, at least JVC is still in business. And yes, as @carlsbad says, make sure you can use your outboard DAC in any case.