Budget DAC

Ninja- Amen brother.Is the 880 a beast or what.On top of that it was my first CD player.So it has some sentimental value.My 880 is not only built like a tank,but it is still in mint shape.Unfortunately the remote don't work.Ironically I have a Marantz SR 880 HT reciever and the Marantz remote works the CD-880.The old Phillips CD Players were awseome,the 960,the 880,and the CD80. Peace-krelldog

Krelldog another plus is the 960 was made in japan, the 880 was made in Belgum. The marantz is the same as phillips same products same company. Only the names are changed to protect the innocent.

It should be kind of hard to not look at the Art Dio based on all the positive feedback it has been attracting.

I would also recommend looking into the ART DI/O. Despite its very low cost, the sound is good. I haven't compared it with more expensive recent DAC's, but it will bring a big improvement to the sound of most older or inexpensive CD/DVD players. It only has one digital input though (RCA). --Scott

As an alternative to the above, I would suggest a used Micromega dac, either the Duo BSII or the Microdac. They are available used for $200-300. These dacs will not offer the last word in resolution, but they sound more musical than the dacs I have compared them to, which include a Theta Pro Basic II, MSB Link I and Bel Canto. I have had success using Micromega dacs with a Marantz cd94 as a transport, although they benefit from better tranports. These are dacs for someone who wants to relax and enjoy the music as opposed to trying to wring every last detail out of their discs.