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How do I spend $5000? A CD player or DAC for my De

After my fiasco with auditioning McIntosh 871 universal player (which I didn't like at all) I'm now considering either buying a dedicated redbook player instead of Sony XA9000ES and keeping my Denon 3930 for DVDs only or indeed buying a DAC to use with Denon as a transport. I don't think I'm ready to spend more than $5000 for either. The thing is I simply don't know which is better - a dedicated $5000 CD player or Denon 3930 plus $5000 DAC? I'm selling Sony anyway - the rack has place for only 2 sources and of course I need a DVD player anyway. What do you,guys, think?
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antonkk
bmdduck
99 posts
 
OK, how about the same question in the 1500-2500 range?
no_money
638 posts
 
Bmdduck,

Shoot for something used, maybe AR CDMKII or the like.
samhar
1,048 posts
 
Sorry for the typo, it's PS Audio DL3 with stage 4 mods. There is a 6 moons review. http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/psaudio6/cullen.html Bmdduck do you also have a Denon universal player?
davemitchell
253 posts
 
A single box CD player can bring very good sound quality in the $5000 price range.

The other option is to get a music server (or computer) with a good digital out and get a capable DAC. It's trickier to equal the sound of a good CD player, but it can be done. The bonus here is the convenience of all your music on a hard drive and at your fingertips.
kabir's avatar
kabir
36 posts
 
Save yourself $2000 and get the marantz SA11s2.
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