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Comparing external DAC to CD player DAC

I have been using a well-known, inexpensive ($300), and well regarded DAC with an old MAC as a music server.  I also stream TIDAL masters and use the CD transport through the server, all going through the external DAC.   I recently pulled out my old CD player, a Marantz CD-67se: an "oldie but a goodie".  The CD player with its onboard, 20+year old DAC is far superior to what I am experiencing with the external DAC, from any source..  Is this expected.  I am not opposed to purchasing a new external DAC, but i really don't want to spend thousands of dollars to reproduce sound I can get from a 20 year old CD player.  What am i missing? Could I be I doing something wrong, or could my external DAC be malfunctioning.

djbarabino
ghdprentice
6,967 posts
 

What is the rest of your equipment?

 

In the price range you are comparing anything is possible. Depending on the rest of your equipment, I would recommend maybe start with a Schiit Gungnir DAC as a reference. It is a very good DAC for the money. This would give you a reference. Then for a streamer look to Blue sound. I would guess this will upgrade the sound you have in all respects and give you a contemporary baseline. 

 

djbarabino OP
3 posts
 

Nad preamp. 165 bee

adcom gfa 555

BA lynfield VR 60 monitors

mahler123
3,322 posts
 

I agree with gods.  At that price level it’s hard to discern differences.

chayro
2,985 posts
 

Nothing is wrong. You simply prefer one dac to another. Age is irrelevant. People often prefer vinyl records, which is a much older technology than any digital. You can certainly try another modern dac, but you still may prefer the marantz. BYW, some of today’s most prized dacs use old dac chips, because many believe they sound better. 

mesch
3,481 posts
 

Some of the CD players made around the year 2000 were very good. Much better than those produced upon the arrival of the CD.

You are comparing a computer used as a streamer/transport into a budget DAC against a true transport/DAC built to be compatible towards a sound signature  you seem to prefer. 

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