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NOS DAC or CDP?

Recently I had to get rid of two of my CDPs (Jolida JD-100 and NAD C542) for finacial reasons. In doing so, I've had to go back to using my old Onkyo DX-C540 changer. Now it's not a bad sounding player for what it is, which is a Mid-FI changer circa late 90s. But both the NAD and Jolida certainly bested it in all areas of performance, and yes, I'm missing that level of performance. In any case am thinking down the road of either getting another CDP (possibly another NAD or used Jolida) or maybe going the NOS DAC route. I'm thinking of going the NOS DAC route as the Onkyo DOES have a optical output, and I think that it might make a decent transport, and give me changer capabilities. In addition, from what I've been reading the NOS DAC would probably give me the warm, musical presentation that I enjoyed with both the NAD and Jolida players. Also it appears that many of the NOS DACs fall within the "price point" that I would like to keep (less than $500). BTW, I consider myself more a "music lover" than an "audiophile", and going the DAC route would certainly be something new for me. Anyway, appreciate thoughs and suggestions from the community on which road they might go down and why they so. Thanks.
cleaneduphippy
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Clio09 - in April 2009 issue of Stereophile (also on their website) they review Meridian 808.2 CD player. It is upsampling player with different algorithm digital filter. They claim it is the best player they've heard ever (and better be for $16k). That would suggest some deficiencies in traditional digital filtering.
pmi_guy
72 posts
 
Cleanedup- You've obviously stumbled into a controversial area. I think I share your view of "listenable" audio. The NOS DAC I have (original MF V DAC) sounded terrible when driven from my Mac Mini until I added a jitter control device (Theta TLC). I have moved to a PS Audio DL3 OS DAC, which sounds pretty good but not "magical". Now your transport will have less jitter than the Mini so the NOS DAC may sound OK. You can always add an anti-jitter device later. On the other hand, there is a tremendous variety of used CD players with that warm sound. My Arcam Alpha 9 is really magical. There are many, many other really nice CD players with plenty of reviews on them on line. I'd go that way if I were you.
cleaneduphippy OP
323 posts
 
"Cleanedup- You've obviously stumbled into a controversial area."

Without a doubt, and both sides make good points in supporting their arguments on which types of DACs are best at doing the digital to analog conversion. As such I'm still in the research mode, and still "on the fence" on whether or not, to add a NOS DAC, and possible jitter control device, or else go with CDP that gives me the "sonic presentation" that I'm looking for. It appears either way, I'll be spending about the same amount of money, and probably be achieving somewhat a similiar result. Btw, thanks for mentioning your Arcam Alpha 9, might have to look into what Arcam has to offer.
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