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CD players with digital inputs to function as a DAC

post #1 of 12
1/1/12 at 2:15pm
Thread Starter 

I'm looking to potentially buy a CD player but I'd like one with digital inputs so I have the flexibility of using my iPod -> Pure i20 as a source as well. It seems at the ~$1500 price range the options are limited. Does anyone have anything to add to this list? Or any experience with these to be able to recommend?

 

Cambridge 840c ($1499)

Cambridge 740c ($1199) discontinued

Audiolab 8200cd ($1100)

Marantz SA8004 ($1000)

NAD C-565 BEE ($799)

Marantz CD6004 ($499) has a USB which is iPod "compatible" but that doesn't mean it pulls a direct digital signal, right?


Edited by kingmajix - 1/1/12 at 2:42pm
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post #2 of 12
1/1/12 at 2:24pm
Yes that is exactly what it means. Also look at the Audiolab 8200CD probably at the top end of your price range and higher level Marantz models
Edited by nc8000 - 1/1/12 at 2:26pm
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post #3 of 12
1/1/12 at 2:44pm
Thread Starter 

Can't believe I forgot the Audiolab. That was the one I was most intrigued by.

 

Thanks for the reply nc8000. So just to be clear you're saying the USB iPod compatible input does the same thing as, say, the Wadia iTransport? Takes the digital signal directly from the iPod, bypassing the internal DAC, and decodes it via the player's internal DAC?

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post #4 of 12
1/1/12 at 10:52pm
That is how I understand it yes, many of the new players/dacs support this
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post #5 of 12
1/4/12 at 5:47pm

I love my Marantz SA8004. The USB implmentation is a bit lackluster, but it still sounds fine. Heck...the headphone amp sounds pretty good, too.

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post #6 of 12
1/4/12 at 7:56pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks MorbidToaster. Based on what I've read so far, I think the Marantz 8004 and Audiolab are my top choices. I'd love to hear if anyone else has any recommendations!

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post #7 of 12
1/5/12 at 7:26am

I think I would go for separates here instead.  Gives a bit more flexiblilty for upgrading and equipment failure.

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post #8 of 12
1/5/12 at 7:34am

Separates also cost more (usually). These all in wonder units shouldn't be the final resting place of a rig, but they sure are a great place to start. 

 

Oh, and I just noticed in the first post the question about the iPod function on the Marantz. I'm not 100% on the 6004, but the 8004 does the same thing your Pure dock does.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by noway View Post

I think I would go for separates here instead.  Gives a bit more flexiblilty for upgrading and equipment failure.



 

 

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post #9 of 12
1/5/12 at 10:29am
Thread Starter 

While separates make sense, I would rather buy a CD player with a DAC to use rather than one just for a transport. Seems like a waste to me. Plus, space is at a premium in my listening area so having one less component is nice.

 

MT thanks for the clarification on the 8004 iPod function. I haven't bought a Pure dock yet so that is good news. With the convenience it offers and the stellar reviews in places like TAS it seems like a real winner.

 

Does anyone know based on product cycles, CES, etc if there are any expected new CD players coming soon from the usual suspects?

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post #10 of 12
1/5/12 at 7:36pm

A positive chime in here for the SA8004. Morbid put it well, it´s a great building block, but not a be all end all.

I had it for 6 months and used it as an iPod transport and a DAC via optical on my computers before going the seperates route.

If $1000 were my starting point for a good CDplayer, DAC, and headamp, I would grab the same unit all over again.

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post #11 of 12
1/5/12 at 7:42pm

True...but it makes sure your transport is the last thing in your upgrade chain, which is nice.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by obzilla View Post

A positive chime in here for the SA8004. Morbid put it well, it´s a great building block, but not a be all end all.

I had it for 6 months and used it as an iPod transport and a DAC via optical on my computers before going the seperates route.

If $1000 were my starting point for a good CDplayer, DAC, and headamp, I would grab the same unit all over again.



 

 

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post #12 of 12
1/5/12 at 8:11pm

No, there is no cure for upgradeitus, other than being broke. The acceleration of the infliction and it´s symptoms can only be controlled by the affected biggrin.gif

 

That said, it is a fantastic budget minded unit. No doubt.

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