2. digital
  3. 1237312956

DAC vs. New CDP

I've just started looking into what DAC's really are. And I now have a question that I would like some opinions on. I've heard that DAC's can make a CDP sound great, but what if, for a few more dollars, I just got a new (or very nice used) CDP with the very latest DACs already inside?
I have a Classe .5 CDP, about seven years old. I know it doesn't have the modern DACs in it so I would think it's sound isn't as good as it could be. I'm wondering if I should look at a DAC to help the sound (CDP only has a AES/EBU output) or purchase a new or newer CDP. I've been looking at the Cambridge 840, Krell 280, Sim Audio, Bryston & Classe, all in the $1,500 to $2,000 range new or used. I know that the Benchmark DAC will cost around $1,200 new. Very few less expensive DAC's have an AES/EBU output.

My system is: Krell KAV 2250 amp, Krell KAV 280 pre, MF phone amp & headphone amp, Rega P1, Paradigm Studio 60, Kimber and RSCables.

Thanks for any input, ideas or experiences !

Jim
fritter5
soundbit
62 posts
 
You can roll your own op amps in many DACs too. Some have tried the Burson duals with satisfaction. I am considering doing this too when my DACMagic arrives tomorrow. :) I intend to use it to upgrade my Marantz 4300 CDP changer (cringe) and my DVD player. The DACMagic can accomodate both and has a USB port too.
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
It's time to update. I'm from the camp that believes that modern upsampling DAC are way ahead of the last generation. A really great DAC is all you need, BUT you might consider getting a CDP with a great DAC, but make sure that it has a digital input.

I use a Playback Designs MPS-5 with digital in. It's out of your stated price range, but being able to run an iPod or Sonos into its exceptional DAC gives me incredible system flexility. I can play CD, SACD and three possible digital-ins (iPod, server, etc.) all either using the PD's internal transport or external devices.

If I couldn't find a CDP with digital-in, then I'd get a DAC only and use my old CDP as a transport.

BTW, I own a $200 Oppo universal player. When I run the Oppo through the PD's DAC it sounds almost as good as when I use the PD's internal Esoteric transport.

Dave
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
I have an older EVS Millenium II - nice upsampling dac
but one input

I now have a Wadia docking station for Ipod

would like to get a dac where I can do 24/96 and redbook
multiple inputs

benchmark or cambridge dacmagic?

any others you would suggest

thinking about an alesis digital sampler to convert my analog sound to digtial high res
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Audiotomb - Benchamark will do it. It has three inputs (Toslink, S/PDIF, AES/EBU) and each of them with proper adapter can go to any format (same chip) as I understand it.

People who oppose oversampling in general are against digital filtering and not the oversampling/upsampling itself. Latest Stereophile review of upsampling Meridian 802.2 player (different digital filter) proves otherwise (and only for $17k). Benchmark is very good and practical for what it is. It is on neutral/cold side.
audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
thanks KiJ

looking for more warm / analogish
so maybe something else
ARC Dac7?
More to discover