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need DAC and Transport or good CD player

I am new to the home audio game. I have done lots of Highend car audio so now I just taking the natural progression. I was wondering what is a good cd player to start with? Or should I do a transport and DAC? I dont want to spend more than $1500. As I know that I will eventually upgrade. What would you guys recommend. My amp is a Electrocompaniet ECl, with Dyn 52SE's monitors.
jayhawkblk
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,686 posts
 
A matching Electrocompaniet cdplayer would probably work just fine.I would stick with a stand alone player at your budget,but that's just me.Good luck with your search.
loomisjohnson
1,943 posts
 
cambridge 840 also very very good + has digital input to use as a dac with another devise
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Get Benchmark DAC1 ($995)and cheap DVD player or connect it to server (computer). I have both plus HDTV (it has three digital inputs). Benchmark has free 30 day evaluation program (at least had). I would avoid used ones unless you know revision. Early once were less than perfect.

The only difference between expensive transport and cheap DVD is jitter that Benchmark rejects. DVD players are cheap (mine is $70 Sony) to buy and replace, have great tracking and play MP3s. Any digital cable or Toslink will do.

Benchmark is one of the better DACs available but is not designed for warm sound. It is very neutral, clean and transparent but if your system is on the bright side avoid it.
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