Confused - what to buy DAC or CD player?

zaik,

thanks for the input...given the budget, and my own budget, i think my plan is valid, but would completely agree a better quality component should certainly provide a cleaner signal, maybe a tweek here and there, and therefore sounds better. I'd like to own a Anthem CD1, i'm eager to get HDCD, and upsampler as well. i'm just not buying into sacd/dvda yet, and wanna stick with 2-channel.

as for the balanced AC, i'm a proud new owner of the CinePro Power Pro 20. Thats what prompted the decision for better quality cd components.

Gunbei:
Are you still using the Bel Canto in your system?
Drrasta
VERY INTERESTING
I took a look at the products and that reminded me of a suggestion in PS power forum in the asylum that suggested use of 240 power if your equipment has the option is basically balanced power..... will require electrician work.
What stopped the project in my case was that I have no simple switch to change my amp and schematics are lacking and directions as well.
But this option will require no changes in wiring or equipment so it´s very user friendly. Any other member has tried balanced 240? Comments welcome

Check out the MUSE Two Plus, due to Your Budget Restrants, & eventually step up to the P1A Perpetual Technology Digital Engine & you will be in Heaven or Near about on the Cheap.. Check it Out.... For Your Ears Only

Mike

I would check out the Sony DVD - 500 (whatever) DVD, CD, SACD player if you need DVD capability, other wise the 775 or the 222ES. The CD capability is acceptable, and the SACD sound can be very good indeed if the the recording is good (keb'Mo, for example). I have heard a number of DVD players into DACs and they just don't compare to my Wadia (a proper reference) on straight redbook playback. From what I understand there are too many compromises with the different circuits at that price point in a multimode source. Don't forget the importance of cables, either. YMMV.

It's important what kind of sound you like. CD players do sound different. If you like rock or big bass music, you want a totally different kind of CD/dac than if you like classical or easy listening (e.g. Bel Canto) type stuff. Also, the advantage of the transport-DAC approach is: 1) if you like spending the time to develop your system, 2) if
one of those breaks down (most likely the transport) but you really do your like DAC, then just replace the transport, and 3) with a separate trans/DAC, you can address the JITTER problem, as some of these replies already stated; you can get an AA DTI Pro, a Monarchy Audio or a Sonic F. jitter device, and these (so people say) ALWAYS seem to make the end result sound better than a budget CD player. But I would not recommend the Perpetual Technology P1a with most Dacs -- be careful there.
John