Ruminations On CD Players

+1 mahler123 comments.   With a CDP you have to like the voicing of the DAC.  With separates you can either find the DAC to optimize your sonic preferences and or match your system.  There are tastes in DACs like Difference chip, R2R, tube buffer etc.  Can't match that with an all in one.  I'm running a Cambridge CXC transport and MHDT Orchid (R2R, tube single buffer) DAC. I can change the sound by swapping a single inexpensive 2C51 tube for $15 to $90 from warm, rounded to crisp and revealing with that tube.  I think MSRP for both is now around $2300.  I got an open box CXC for about $350.  Orchids are tougher to find used and new run about $1300.  And yes, a DAC will allow for future growth like a streamer.  

I like that idea.  I'll give the Orchid a look.  I'm getting swayed toward the notion of separates.

I think it’s so great that you’re keeping your mind open to other options, and in the end it will likely pay off big and be well worth the added effort.  I noticed that you haven’t really touched on what improvements you might aspire to with a new digital front end and what sound characteristics are most important to you as this should ultimately be what guides you to the best upgrade path, and any thoughts you have on this critical info could be very helpful in getting more targeted recommendations here.  Also, in addition to the Cambridge transport mentioned above I’ll also mention this Audiolab transport that has garnered a lot of positive feedback.  Just something else to chew on while your in research mode. 

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_2486KCDTS/Audiolab-6000CDT-Silver.html

Forgot to mention, I just watched a movie called “New in Town” starring Renee Zelwegger and Harry Connick Jr. that was actually pretty good and located in…wait for it…New Ulm, MN.  Coincidence?  Hmmm.

Will your unit still function as a transport ? i also say seperates and get a 2k used dac . I have a Cambridge player as transport and Bel Canto dac