Getting back into audio and need advice....

Keep your transport and upgrade your DAC. Down the road we will all likely end up using files on computer as source, and the DAC will be major contributor to sound quality. High $ one piece cdp is a waste of money, if you ever decide to sell it, you'll get killed on depreciation. Performance/price based a used modded dac might be best of all.

Much is archived on this topic...

I agree with Richlane and Sbank - get Bel Canto DAC3 and sell your current DAC, modded Sony CDP and Cardas cable. It might pay for the difference and you probably don't need it since DAC3 is jitter rejecting. DAC3 sounds, according to reviews, a little better than Benchmark DAC1 (that I have) but costs twice more. Listen to both - Benchmark has 30 day free lease and Bel Canto might have similar program.

The new Mcintosh SACD/CD player uses the same approach as the Sony XA5400ES for about $6500....get the Sony (1 box), a great power cord and IC and laugh at the rest:O )