Getting back into digital. Please help.

Interesting comments, Lokie and Musicslug. I take it that neither of you would recommend a player/DAC that does not have a USB input? Upon first glance, it seems the SA-50 offers everything including just regular 'ol put a cd in a tray method :-).

Forward looking solutions seem like a good idea but they hinge on whether these players/dacs sound good. If not, then all is moot.

with Mac's (and some PC's I imagine, you do not NEED a USB DAC or input on your CD player ... the Mac Mini provides digital output thru a mini optical jack. you just need a mini to toslink adapter or better yet a mini to optical cable like the Van Den Hul. Of course you need a DAC with toslink input but this is pretty easy to find. You could also use a USB to SPDIF converter like the Hagerman.

good luck!

jeff

plinko: you posed the question as to whether the new USB DACs sound good. the demo I attended at definitive settled that question in my mind completely, which is why I said in my original post that I'd go the hard drive route if setting up a digital front end now (I already have a very nice CDP so I'll wait a bit before switching). I'd strongly urge you to try to audition a HD setup. I realize you said you don't have a dealer nearby, but remember: the HD is just a computer product ($500 or less) and the CD info extraction software is cheap. the only thing you'll need to buy from an audio dealer is the USB DAC. the nicest ones are pricey, but you'll get great sound from redbook as well as future-proofing (the ability to play hi-rez downloads) and you'll have the convenience of an ipod, with your entire collection accessible from a little hand-held device. I believe I heard them say you can get software that allows you to use your iphone to control HD systems. you might just call definitive and chat with them - they're very nice and professional (I have no interest involved here btw).

Musicslug. Which USB DAC did you listen to?