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Need to improve my CD Changer - is that possible?

Hi,

I know that CD/DVD changers are scorned at but I do have one and I guess am stuck with it(Sony 400 CD Changer). I want to improve the quality if that is possible. Will adding a DAC improve the quality? If so which DAC should I go for. Budget isn't high - maybe $250 - $400 but let's say a DAC that is the best value for the money. The Sony CD changer does have a Digital Out (but no optical out).

The reason I went for the CD changer is to store the cds and forget them, instead of changing the cds in a single cd changer. I do own better cd players like the Jolida JD-100 and a Teac Reference cd player. But again the idea is to have a load it and forget it path. In fact I am even thinking of buying the Sony 400 DVD changer (either the regular or the ES model), put the cds in the form of DVD-MP3. Purists may scoff at the idea but I have realized that I listen more from the Sony CD changer. Nowadays don't have the time that I used to have for doing critical listening.

So in short - will DAC help? if so which one? and finally the idea of buying a sony dvd-changer for DVD-MP3 - could this route also be improved by adding dac or other means?

Best Regards,

Harry
harrygoldsmith
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
One of the guys in my group bought the Scott Nixon DAC.

(Link)
http://www.scott-nixon.com/dac.htm

Scroll down the page until you see images of the fully assembled products he offers (assuming you have no interest in a kit) and have a look at Tube DAC +.

This sells fully assembled for $475.00. We have listened to it on a couple of our systems and It's excellent for the money. Certainly an upgrade over the stock Sony.

Later, should you decide to purchase another changer or single play CD, you can keep the DAC+ and enjoy with your new gear. All this assumes your Sony has a digital coax output.
harrygoldsmith OP
13 posts
 
Albert - Thanks for the information. Unfortunately my Sony doesn't have a coax only an digital - TOS. Any other DAC that you can recommend?

Regards.
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Harry, that's a tough one, I cannot think of another choice at this moment. Maybe another Audiogoner will chime in.

Are there no CD changers with coax so you can have it both ways?
daltonlanny
301 posts
 
THE SONY DVP-CX777ES DVD/SACD/CD 400 DISC MEGA-CHANGER HAS BOTH TOSLINK AND A COAXIAL OUTPUT.
SO DOES THE OLDER KENWOOD SOVEREIGN 5900M 400+3 DVD/DVD-AUDIO/CD MEGACHANGER
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