Dedicated CD Transport vs DAC

31,100 LPs and 16,100 CDs. Like both formats. Upgraded from a $500 Topping D70s DAC to a $25,000 Lampizator Poseidon at 70X the price. About 20%+ better in openness, separation, dynamics, etc.). Sonically, not that far apart.

Jay’s Audio $5K CDt3 Mk3 transport Best friend is using his Topping above with a Schitt Urg at $1,200. Very impressive.

I tried many CD players under $5K. Not comparable. Maybe there are equally good CD players but at higher prices as well.

Unfortunately, I found out 25+ years later that digital reproduction at my analog level costs about the same or more.

Both are critical. For ~ 3 years I had a Audiolab 6000CDT (MSRP $599) which I THOUGHT I WAS HAPPY WITH- except for missing bass, but I only paid $300 used. It was connected to my Audio Alchemy DDP-1+ PS 5. Eventually I thought about either upgrading the DCA/Pre or replacing the CDT. Thankfully, I opted to replace the transport with a Shanling ET3 ($729): it exposed great sound hiding in my DAC/Pre. In a word THRILLED

The dac in my Denon DCD-1700NE sacd player is pretty good. I had tried running it through my Gustard R26 dac via a coaxial digital connection. I tended to prefer the dac in the Denon. I have several digital cables (XLO Ultra, Harmonic Technology, Morrow). On a whim, I bought an Acoustic Zen mc2 coaxial cable.  I didn't expect much, but I found a used cable for a good price.  With this cable, the sq is very close to streaming. I had considered buying a dedicated transport, but I don't think I'll bother now. If I do, it would be something like the Shanling with a USB digital output. I can rip cds with my Innuos Zen Mk3, so having the ultimate cd player is not a huge priority. 

1) Which accounts for the most sonic improvement? A quality dedicated CD Transport or a Quality DAC?

 

2) If a person could assign a percentage... by what % did your cd transport improve your sound? By what % did your new dac improve your sound?

A manufacturer of a high caliber who knows how to make a top notch sacd/cd transport will also know how to produce a top quality dac. It is their integration of the two and optimization of signal paths, etc that makes it sound immaculate.

You may think that you can do a better job than the high caliber manufacturers... mixing/matching the different transports, dacs and wires made of magicdustium. You may think a lot of things and imagine yourself to be some type of audio master chef/sound master....but, you may not succeed. The regular guy sitting at home just doesn’t have knowledge/expertise on the nitty gritty like the manufacturers do. Nevertheless, some will need to spend tens of thousands before they admit defeat (such failed adventures begin to show up on the marketplace).

@no_regrets - You’re fortunate, over the last ~5yrs there have been great strides in DAC sonics at more affordable prices.  If you like to spin CDs, best to get a better transport if within budget.

TEAC VRDS-701T CD transport Is another option.