Buy a DAC or buy an SACD player?

I'm with Sean on this one. I've been using an EVS Millennium DAC 1(the original version--trading up for the DAC II soon) and have been absolutely amazed at the openness, transparency, dynamics, tonality, etc. that this piece provides. It made my MSB Link(with Dusty Vawter upgrades) sound veiled and slow by comparison, and I can't imagine listening without this DAC in my system. Only problem is you may have to wait a little while to get a DAC II, although I know Ric is in the process of ramping up production so may not be as much as an issue. Definately worth the wait, and like Sean said there's an honest 30-day money back guarantee, but I seriously doubt you'd use it once you hear what this DAC will do for your system. One caveat: I don't think there is an HDCD option for the DAC II, but I'd bet even those disks will sound better in non-HDCD with the DAC II(I also have a few HDCD disks and don't even give it a second thought). Give Ric a call and he'll give you the straight poop(www.tweakaudio.com).

As for SACD, there's really not much software now and you'll just have to buy another player later to handle DVD-A and/or multi-channel SACD. Of course there's also the impending digital output connection--I absolutely will not buy any of these new formats until they have digital outs. Obviously I believe the DAC is the better way to go in service of your current CD collection. Best of luck.

Tim

Dave:
I´m in the same situation.....
My intent is to get a good sounding DAC for improving my CD playback and lessen the new digital "itch" and wait for the multiple player / dominating format soup to "reduce".

I'll jump in and wholeheartedly recommend along with Sean and Tim the EVS Millenium II.

Ric is down to a two week wait time now, and a 30 day money back clause. go to tweakaudio.com

this upsampling 24/192 dac is blowing away stereophile class a pieces like Audio Research DAC3 and Meridan 508.24

check out the reviews at audioreview.com under dacs

Has anyone compared these $1000 ish upsampling dacs to one of the moderabuck players such as the marantz sa-1 and sony scd-1 ?
I heard the scd-1 lose out to a dcs/elgar with 192 upsampling. Pretty close actually. I bought the scd-1, but I am interested in hearing if an improvement can be made (of course!). The scd-1 has some of the very best cd playback I have ever heard. I loaned it to one of my friends who commented that his levinson 360S sounded better, but only by a very minute amount.
cheers,
john.

The Kora Hermes, an inexplicably overlooked DAC, renders jaw-dropping sound for a mere $1500 retail. Interpose this chrome-faced converter into your system and you'll notice, without trying, that once unintelligible lyrics are suddenly fully articulated. Some of the Hermes' sonic attributes can be ascribed to its triode tube output, 24 bit chips and studiously separated digital/analog power supplies. Have a little faith and buy this French jewel...you'll be glad you did.