DAC or Higher End CDP: Help me choose.

[neFilim242]

Hi all. I'm a forum newb. looking for some advice on my next possible source upgrade for my home setup. (But I've been lurking for awhile here: see the damage at my sig below

)
I mostly prefer listening to CDs at home although I realise that a DAC would probably be a bit more versatile since I have a sizable .mp3 collection on my computer. I've never had an external DAC before but I'm intrigued by it's use.

I'm planning on budgeting about a $1000 in the next few months.

So based on my home setup (see Sig. below) what would bring the most bang for my buck with my preference for CD listening: A nice standalone quality CDP like an Arcam CD 73T to replace my DVD player for CD listening or a quality DAC like a dAck Dac 2.0 paired with my existing DVD player?

Thanks,

-RC

 

[Scrith]

How about one that works as both? Several CD players offer digital inputs so they can be used as a DAC as well. I know of the Cary and Accuphase models, but I'm sure there are others.

 

[Loftprojection]

I had a similar "problem" a few months ago and ended up buying a used/demo CD player. I got myself an Arcam CD23T. By the way for $1000 you can get yourself a much better player than the CD73 in the used or demo market. Check out Audiogon, there are always plenty of deals for CD players in that price range. The CD73 is not bad but when I compared it to my CD23T, hum, it's a notch down.

I'm still intrigued by a DAC but I think for pure sound quality for music listening a dedicated CD player is difficult to beat.

Have fun shopping.

 

[neFilim242]

Cool.Thanks for the advice guys. I'll definately research those CDP models and hopefully some will show up in Audiogon.

-RC

 

[Sleestack]

For under $1000, you can pick up a CD-2 from Onix. Defeatable upsampling and balanced outs. I have players and DACs ranging from $1000 - $8000 and feel that the Onix players give you the most for your money. Just a thought.

 

[l_simon_l]

The Eastsound E5 is also in your price-range. I'm thinking about picking up one of those myself. Some members here ranks it on par with much more expensive meridian cd-players.