Newbie question on digital source.

I am using a Sony 7000 in a second system and for the price $2-300, used), its pretty hard to beat. Plus it can be used as a transport if you add a DAC later. Built like a tank. I think your friend gives good advice. Save the extra $ and put it into a better pre-amp.

From your previous query on the pre-amp, I'd third the recommendation for the Cary SLP-50(A). A real sleeper of a design and can be had very inexpensively on the used market. Sounds wonderful in my system and easy to resell if you don't prefer it. Don't be afraid of tubes, they don't bite and you can replace them when they die.

For $500+ you'd probably do better buying and all-in-one player. Yes, the transport does make a difference. Sony makes some good players, including some capable SACD players that can be had in that price range used like their 555. Also used you could look for a Rega Planet 2000, and Ah Tjoeb 4000, or a Jolida 100, the latter two having tube-output stages. If you insist on the DAC/Transport and must stay in your budget, the only thing I could think to recommend, for just a bit more, is the CAL Sigma II DAC and a decent transport like their Delta. Again, this is a tubed DAC. Had one a few years back and it sounded great! The transport they made, the Delta, is good too, but be forewarned the company is no longer in business. Still damn fine gear for the money.

For <$500 budget, stand alone CD/DVD player is probably a much better choice than DAC/transport. You are less likely to get into trouble with the ever escalating upgrade game.

You can pick up a new Philips DVD player that has SACD for around $500 that is also a good sounding cd player. There are a few used Sony ES SACD player that can double as DVD player at that price range as well.

You can try the player out at your own home from a local dealer that has returned policy. Probably can compare a few player at the same time.

There is another crazy option. I assume that you have a computer with CD-ROM. Just rip all the CDs onto your HD in WAV format, get a good sound card with coaxial digital output and output the signal to your favorite DAC. Somewhat not audiophile but it could fun. Figure 600mb per CD. So you will need about 200GB for your average 300+ cd collection. This is probably a lot of work and more expensive, but it's possible to share the music through out the house easily with wireless network. Has anyone tried this before?

Hi guys,

Sorry for type. My budget is around $500, not limited to $500. I want to spend $1500 on preamp and digital source.

Will spend some time to absorb all your inputs.

Thanks.
Roy