For reproduction of CDs, I extremely recommend the Jay's Audio CDt3 Mk3. I've tried over a dozen cheap to expensive (PS Audio) transports over the past 5 years (recent change to separates). It is vastly superior and beautifully built.
As to DACs, I've tried older ones and generally found them wanting. They were mostly lesser cost ones (the Topping D70S for example). Also COS Engineering D1 and D2. I've ordered the Lampizator Poseidon to be a one and done unit.
The combination of the Poseidon as both DAC and pre-amp and transport is fabulous (I heard my speakers with the Horizon).
DACs keep improving generally. A $2700 DAC LAiV Harmony got a very high recommendation. An unusual R2R design with a reportedly more articulate, forward sound than R2R designs are known for. I haven't heard it. The T&A line is from a major manufacturer and the build quality is excellent. I do not recommend the Weiss, dry and hard compared to the others.
As to cabling, I was using low cost digital cabling from my transport (step above Blue Jeans which is very neutral and a steal at $35) similar to the Westminster Labs lower end digital cable. I've found the Paradox Pulse to be superior at 8X the price. The Blue Jeans is very neutral but has no dimensionality to the music, raher flat and stuck in the speaker. The analog XLR cable to my pre-amp is also lower cost but very good as well (I use Grover Huffman power cord and speaker cabling in both systems). I love the timing/speed of the Westminster Labs Reference XLR cable from the Poseidon to the REI amps. Toe tapping rhythm. I will be testing the Paradox Pulse RCA ICs for phono versus the known excellent quality Furutech phono cables made using their FA-aS22 cable and top quality cf-102-r-ncf RCA connectors (about $550 as parts-too expensive built).
