Upgraditis is what I am trying to avoid. I have a set budget, I'd like to spend it and be done with it. I'd like to avoid upgrading component A this month and component B next, it's like trying to fill a black hole.
I prefer to make my spending predictable.
What I don't want is after I spent all the money I set aside, and then realise that my amp is too good for the source.
What is as bad is I set aside say $300 for a CDP or DAC at the expense of the amp, and then found out that the source is still good enough and I don't need a new one. Then I should have put all the money in the amp and get a better one.
And also if around $200 would get me a source better than my current one? Else there is no point and money would be better spent on the amp.
So back to the original question. Would the digital to analog conversion of the budget CDP 10 years ago stand against today's offering of budget CDP or DAC? Specifically my CDP vs let's say a $200 budget of CDP or DAC.
If CDP technology didn't improve in the past 10 years, I'd keep spinning it till it dies. And also how would a $200 sound card/DA options stack up to my CDP and Sound Blaster Digital Music SX.