Do I really need a Dac?

Donplatt - That your CD player just died is the perfect argument for getting a stand-alone DAC. The transports in CD players always die, usually just after the replacement laser assembly becomes no longer available, and unless the player has digital inputs that allow you to continue to use the internal DAC you're forced to trash the part of the purchase price for the player that went to the DAC.

Transports are disposable, like the tires on your car, they're good for only so many miles and then you walk away from them. DACs have no moving parts and while they may no longer be state of the art sonically they'll make music as long as you want to keep them.

I would recommend the Teac PD-H600, which can now be found new for under $600.00

"Most CD players have woefully inadequate internal DACS." This is one of the most absurd things I've ever read.

Actually Gfcf424892, my statement was actually true. Most CD players compromise on the analog stage and power supply. this is why "audiophiles" typically have separates in the first place. Separate power supply responsibility and signal crosstalk, etc. I have only heard a very few CD players that have internal DACs that can compete with good quality external DACS using the design and construction standards I mentioned earlier. I'm sorry if you disagree, but it really is true. Note, I did write most, not all. In my opinion, most CD player's internal DACS really don't have quality analog output circuity. You really have to look at that circuitry the same as you would with a decent pre-amps analog circuitry and power supply. Now, I am not comparing apples to apples here, so forgive me. An inexpensive CD player's internal DAC vs an equally inexpensive external DAC and there really is no comparison needed, because they both will be well below the standard of a high quality CD player and high quality external DAC. But take most CD players and get an external DAC that is built like a tank, like say, Theta DS Pro Gen VA and compare. you will hear remarkable differences. The real question asked was Do I really need an (external) DAC? the answer is, it depends on what you are currently using and what level of sound reproduction quality you are looking for. If you want "as real as possible" within set price points, (high end) then yes, you do. Because most internal DACs don't cut it. Again, top of the line Wadia, Boulder, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, etc. CD Players, would compete very well with equally quality external DACS. But, most CD players, well, they just don't.

enjoy