DAC for Rega Planet 2000

The only newer DAC that I can think of that would be an improvement in that price range is a used EVS Millenium DAC. The DAC 2 would be the best, but those are usually over $500. You could find a used DAC 1A or 1B for that amount, but there aren't many and they don't come up for sale every day. Keep your eyes open.

If you're willing to try older DACs, you might be able to find an old Meridian, Muse, Wadia, Theta, etc. in that price range (pieces that originally cost thousands). They will have older DAC chips, but I think you'll find that their high quality designs, parts, and power supplies will still sound much better than most cheaper DACs with modern DAC chips. A new DAC chip isn't going to matter much if everything surrounding it is compromised. Most qualities of good DACs...transparency, lack of grain, soundstage, bass, etc. come from good design, parts, and a good power supply...not just the DAC chip.

Natalie does make a good point above...you could sell the Rega and try to buy a used Meridian 508/24. I know they've come down in price quite a bit, but I'm not sure if they've dropped that much yet. Just an idea...

rega planet is a pocket cd-player mechanizm incorporated with great dac.
that's why spending $500 on external dac will be just a waste.
to approach a performance of Rega to be like Meridian 508/24 you can get TACT RCS2.0 DAC-preamp that brings even pocket CD-player with optical output onto the level of "champion" machines. you can get here demo model for a-bit above $2k but you should realize that you can sell your preamp and there you'll spend less already...
i've heard many statements such as my rega planet is the best as whole and doesn't sound good with external dac
well how it can if it has a poor transport?
a poor transport and mechanizm can be successfully incorporated into one-box player.
i used to own mccormack mod squad prizm cd-player that is something like great mechanizm- poor transport- with descent dac. after i connected it with EAD DSP 700 MK2 dac 1)on half of my cds there were mis-relocking; 2)sounded encapsulated and unopen...
well i decided to get the dedicated transport and thus corrected this problem.
As to Meridian 508/24 it has excellent mechanizm incorporated with excellent transport and excellent dac together in one box creating no headache with jitter, digital interconnects and finally could be your last one for real.

I would consider the Bel Canto also.

Hello,

I have a Rega Planet (the original) and I tried some simple remedies that made a difference. Before spending any big money on a DAC, try these:

1.) If your floor and cabinet are stable, try using tip toes that are high enough to support the Rega instead of relying on the factory sorbothane feet. Tip toes are essentially aluminum cones. Experiment using 3 or 4 tip toes.

2.) The Planet 2000 comes with a detachable AC power cord. Replace the factory one with a good one.

3.) Get an AudioPrism CD Blacklight for $40. It is a thin plastic disc that you expose to light for 30 seconds, then position on top of the music CD. The disc emits a green light and really helps improve the harmonics, openess, transparency and image focus. Most cost effective device.

Keep in mind the interconnect may have a significant effect.

Feel free to email me.

Aaron

thank you everybody, these are very helpful comments and I do not think I will pursue a DAC. I had never heard the Rega transport was not that good in fact I had been told I should replace it by someone. I am usually one to buy a better piece instead of trying to match (more) components.

I find more and more that matching components is EVERYTHING in a better stereo system and have no desire to add to that list with more wires and devices.

The Meridian was truly awesome when I heard it and I think I will hold out for one someday.