CEC CD3800 or CEC DA53 ?

[al0is]

Hello,

Firstly I'm sorry for my poor English, I'm French!
I just bought Stax SR-404 earspeakers with a used SRM-T1-S amplifier.
I'm looking for a source, for the moment I only use a portable audio player.
Now I'm in Japan and Hi-Fi components are cheaper than in Europe, then I will buy it here.
My budget is around 50 000 JPY.
I'm hesitating, what should I buy?

CEC CD3800
a used CEC DA 53 (DAC)
Marantz SA7300 or SA8001
Pionner PD-6
Denon DCD 1500AE

I will not use SACD, a DAC with USB or a CD player is ok, I'm just looking for the best audio quality.

Cordially

Alois

 

[AdamWysokinski]

Quote:

Originally Posted by al0is /img/forum/go_quote.gif CEC CD3800 a used CEC DA 53 (DAC) Marantz SA7300 or SA8001 Pionner PD-6 Denon DCD 1500AE

If you are going to use a Mac/PC as a transport for USB DAC, I'd vote for DEC 53. It's much more convenient comparing to CD player, especially if you have plenty of CDs (>500).

Cheers,
Adam

 

[al0is]

Thanks for your answer,
yes USB DAC are convenient, but CEC CD 3800 can be used as a DAC too, there is a USB input.
I don't have so many CD and I'm firstly looking for the best sound quality.

 

[AdamWysokinski]

Quote:

Originally Posted by al0is /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't have so many CD and I'm firstly looking for the best sound quality.

I'd choose DAC. If its price is similar to CD, it should be (technically) better - the same amount of money is spend only on DAC, while in CD you also have transport, display, control, etc. That's only theory, you should always listen to them and pick the one you prefer.

 

[al0is]

Yes I agree with you, also CD3800 is newer than the DA53, DA53 is not the latest model.

 

[Pricklely Peete]

Newer is not always better just different. Many top shelf DACs still use parts from the 70's,80's and 90's.

3 of the 5 best DACs made (today and yesterday) use the BB PCM1704UK DAC chip which was first produced nearly 20 years ago. So...carefully weigh the entire design and not just the chip set used. Power supply and I/V section quality is far more important than any other consideration in a digital player/dac.

Peete.

 

[eugenius]

This is a false problem: do you have CD's? Get the CD3800. It's a better value for sure.

But most likely the DA53(N) has better sound. How much better, you can't decide based on forum posts. The DA53(N) is dual mono so it has quite a bit better stereo separation .. that's the only thing you can be sure.

 

[al0is]

Thanks for your answers.
I have just about 50 CD's, but it's not my problem.
Sorry I again repeat, wich is theorically or seems to be the best? (about sound quality)

Used DA53 plugged on USB, with Window 7, Foobar 2000 WASAPI reading WAVE files, or jut CD 3800 reading a CD ?

I'm asking your point of view because I can't try the used DA53, very difficult to make a decision...

 

[arjuna93]

Thanks for your answers.
I have just about 50 CD's, but it's not my problem.
Sorry I again repeat, wich is theorically or seems to be the best? (about sound quality)

Used DA53 plugged on USB, with Window 7, Foobar 2000 WASAPI reading WAVE files, or jut CD 3800 reading a CD ?

I'm asking your point of view because I can't try the used DA53, very difficult to make a decision...

So what have you ended up with?