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DAC as an upgrade

My CD player (Denon cdrw1500) has both coaxial and optical digital output jacks.

I'm wondering if there are any issues to be concerned about with using this with a separate DAC unit rather than the Denons built in DAC.

I'm thinking that this would be a practical first step to explore the advantages of different DAC technologies with my player for now and then even provide the option to add a separate transport if needed later.

I am not very familiar with digital connector technology commonly used in audio equipment these days, so I am mainly concerned to know what DAC digital interfaces are compatible with the the Denon outputs and the differences if relevant so as to identify a DAC that will work OK.

Thanks.

128x128mapman
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,396 posts
 
No set budget at present. All options open.
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,396 posts
 
2chnlben,i

The Denon CDR1500 is only 2-3 years old and is still sold new on Amazon and other locations.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
The Bel Canto DAC2 sells for less than $700 used here regularly. Pick one up with a digital cable and determine for yourself. If the difference isn't enough or if you don't here a difference you can resell the dac. You won't lose much. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,432 posts
 
Be careful with used DACs. Old Benchmarks had worse op-amps and other problems. Many companies like Benchmark and I am sure Bel Canto offer free trial at home (30 days in case of Benchmark) - you like it you keep it - if not send it back. Difference will be dramatic in my opinion - there is even huge difference between different DACs. My main objective at the beginning was to be independent of the transport (mechanical component) and the same time DVD players have excellent tracking. Sonic benefits I realized later.
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,396 posts
 
I notice my Denon has both digital out and digital in connections (both coax and optical for each).

Rather than changing DACs, I could try hooking up a digital processor of some sort with these connections and run the built in DAC for now as a first step.

I have some CDs that sound flawless to me and others that I have some issues with. Are there digital processors out there that can be introduced to help with common problems associated with lesser CD recordings, like sibilance, excessive brightness, etc.?
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