Get a DAC for CD63SE or a new CD?

Thanks for the input Mikhail, the preamp is a Chiro 800, the power amp is a Chiro C-200, the budget is $1,000.

The Monarchy DAC's are very natural AND dynamic. Awesome value. The 63SE is a nice sounding player. You system has to be up to it to appreciate differences in Hi end digital.

Try the Bel Canto Dac-1. I purchased one two weeks ago after auditioning at my home on my equipment a number of dacs and DVD units. What the Dac-1 does for your system is unbelievable. Check out the wedsite: http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/belcanto_dac1.htm and the follow up. Also: belcantodesign.com Email me with any questions you have. Regards, Larry

I also recommend a good quality outboard DAC. I use a Muse Model Two with Sony CA9ES and XA7ES CD players-- excellent results. The CA9 definitely needs the quality of the outboard DAC, but the XA7 doesn't. I used to have a CD63SE, and thought it was a little thin and analytical using its on-board DAC. I never did hook it up to an outboard DAC, but I would think the 63 would make an excellent transport. I like the many play/program features of inexpensive CD players and the music quality of good outboard DACs. I also use Theta TLC and Sonic Frontiers jitter reducers between CD player and DAC. Besides yielding better music, they also convert Toslink to Coax.. There are many good DACs under $1K.

$1000.00 don't buy first-rate player new.(I have not heard Musical Fidelity from audioadvisor.com).I have dealt with this company many times without any problem.If you call them talk to Ken or Chris.They also have demo.Parasound 2000 Ultra.This one I heard in my system.It was in completely different class than my Luxman 355(about the same or a bit better performance than your Marantz).But my unit (Parasound) was damaged in shippment and at that time they did not have a replacement.Later I bought from them CEC 5100Z new which is similar to the Parasound but,I think,is even better.Another alternative is to find used excellent converter and later replace your 63SE(I suggest CEC 5100,audioadvisor.com have it now for $800.00 new).I would go with Timbre DAC or,perhaps,Classe.