Originally Posted by majkel
I don't know if it helps, either, but marantz SA7001 compared to AudioNemesis DC-1 up-grade DAC or my modded Technics SL-PS840 sounds like crap. I'd recommend buying a decent cheap DVD player as the transport + an external DAC like Zero, Zhaolu or Beresford. The results will be much better (if I aim at the correct price range).
Strange that the SA7001 should sound poopy, because my lesser CD5001 analog out sounds quite good when compared to the Coax out to Apogee mini-DAC - it sounds closer than it has a right to be for the price. The CD5001 is a good place to start, and then adding a good DAC and amp will just make it better.