Parasound C/BD 2000 Belt Drive CD Transport

Don't know what esoteric CD's are... but, you have a really nice "red book" CD transport from the 90's. You can only play back red book CD's with your C/BD 2000, including HDCD's... So, if you have some HDCD's in you collection, make sure your DAC can decode them if you want to hear HDCD's potential.

Good afternoon,

I want to thank you for the comments. Actually, I thought changing the DAC would permit playing of most CD's to include HDCD's. Presently I am using a Lite 72 Tubed DAC/24bits which does not even recognize HDCD's. I get a good sound from my Redbook CD's but wanted to hear some of the other formats. Thanks again for your comments.

Most of the DAC's I have been researching take high-resolution formats in the form of 24bit/96kHz over USB, using a computer as a transport. In all my research over the past few months, I have not seen a single outboard DAC that will decode SACD or DVD-A. I haven't seen anything about HDCD decoding in an outboard DAC either. You need a different optical disc player for these formats (except HDCD which your Parasound will do).
I looked at your Lite DAC's limited listing of specs on the pacific Valve site, I don't think it can decode high-resolution audio signals, it has a display that shows the sampling frequency, but it doesn't say which frequencies it will accept...I would assume more than 44.1kHz Redbook...?
There are a lot of affordable options for outboard DACs that decode hi-res audio, if you want to get into computer-based transport systems. There are also affordable SACD players out there. Check out SACD.net for a listing of current titles.

Realremo,

Thank you for taking the time to research this information. It has given me what I need to move forward. I really love the sound of my Parasound belt drive but understand I will need to purchase a more moderen transport and DAC if I want to play something other than Redbood CD's.

I want to thank all who contributed comments and thoughts. They are all very much appreciated.

bob

By the way,

Does anyone know of a DAC (under $1000 dollars) that will permit my Parasound Transport to play HDCD's? I understand there are many classical and jazz HDCD's that are great and sound as good as the latest CD technology. Of course I will appreciate all comments. Finally, what output hookup from the CD player provides the very best sound reproduction? Thanks all.

bob