Taking very good to excellent will take a bit more than either an amp or a source.
Given money matters, think carefully here as to which path you choose to follow. Just CDP
. CDP + DAC
. Or
.PC + DAC
In each case the DAC, either on board or as a separate box, is the key item.
Putting $1000 > $2000 into a one box solution (CDP only), should be an improvement. Especially if it offers versatility and performance, as in a multi format modded player such as a Mod Right Denon 3910 fully loaded
and there are some for sale here now.
Were I to look now for a player, it would need to be multi format. Performance levels have risen dramatically, and its cost effective.
So theres $2K wrapped up in a one disc at a time any disc player.
Apogee, Benchmark, Lavry, or BC DAC 3, amongst others, will bare more flexibility as they will encompass more digital front end sources and gain you still better overall performance.
If youre eventually going to PC based, way more variety and ease
once done properly.
Consequently, if the CDP one box fix is the thought here and now, and the PC idea is laid to rest on the back burner
you will almost double your investment in the longer run to accomplish adding PC source playback to your options by spending greatly on just a CDP now.
Thats what I did. CDP first
. Then DAC & PC.
In hindsight, Id have been better off to get myself a great DAC (USB or not), with outstanding jitter control, and gone on from there
. Given the performance level I see now from just such a purchase.
Once the source and cabling are elevated, the down stream items can be reassessed as needs/desires may be in due course
. Or not at all.
Seldom will one move (acquisition) in a system raise the overall performance level to such a state no other parts of it need addressing. Unless of course ones system is at the very brink of outstanding performance already, yet it is found to be lacking in only one area.
Naturally, each of us makes the aforementioned call
. Or our family and/or wallet intervene to do so for us.
Making additions I think should be those with lasting effect, certain gain, and afford you as much flexibility as possible for current and upcoming affairs.
If a DAC is to be added later on, a source with the best drive should be the thinking I suppose as thats about all itll be doing so it ought to do that exceptionally well. A DAC will definitely change the sound of what ever CDP is attached to it. A thought for one also should limit the investment into a CDP as well.
Getting a DAC which can thereafter be enhanced or receive physical modifications is all the better as you will be able to keep up with the tech changes digital has been experiencing in recent years and will continue to obtain.
