I too suggest a DAC and suggest the USB route via an Apple MacMini. Right now, I have three MacMini/DAC combinations on three systems and have sold my CDPs.
Careful selection of the DAC (I have the dbaudiolabs Tranquility and Tranquility SE, both of which are immensely pleasing in my systems, and the UltraFi iRoc, a little hidden jewel of the past); the USB cabling (suggest a listen to Ridge Street Audio, Locus Audio, or dbaudiolabs' Essential), interconnects and power cords; peripheral HD (I suggest Oyen; and playback software (iTunes is very good, but Pure Audio is much better) will yield results only very expensive CDPs can produce.
I know this sounds like a lot, but once it's set up, it's far more convenient and musically capable than a CDP. Look for items on Audiogon, talk to fellow DAC-ers, ask yourself what you want, and seek it out... I would never go back to a CDP.
:) listening,
Ed
Careful selection of the DAC (I have the dbaudiolabs Tranquility and Tranquility SE, both of which are immensely pleasing in my systems, and the UltraFi iRoc, a little hidden jewel of the past); the USB cabling (suggest a listen to Ridge Street Audio, Locus Audio, or dbaudiolabs' Essential), interconnects and power cords; peripheral HD (I suggest Oyen; and playback software (iTunes is very good, but Pure Audio is much better) will yield results only very expensive CDPs can produce.
I know this sounds like a lot, but once it's set up, it's far more convenient and musically capable than a CDP. Look for items on Audiogon, talk to fellow DAC-ers, ask yourself what you want, and seek it out... I would never go back to a CDP.
:) listening,
Ed