Experience with computer to digital input of CD player

[auee]

Fellow members,

I do not want to give up using a CD player, but I also would prefer not to have both a CD player and DAC in order to save space. I have been researching CD players with digital inputs and the choices are not as great as I had hoped.

I am looking for a sound signature that is natural, dynamic and rhythmic. I listen to a lot of classic rock. I have grown to resent the sound of any system where the mid-range sounds recessed as that is where most of the music lies. Although not exactly on point, I admire but could not live with a system which uses speakers Martin Logans or Magnapans.

I do not live in a place like LA, Chicago, NYC or other metropolitan area where all manufacturers have a presence. Therefore, I need your assistance in narrowing my search.

Some of the manufacturers who make CD players with digital inputs are Accuphase, Quad, and Cambridge Audio. I am sure I missing many. Do any of you have recommendations for such a component that is worth my time and possibly money to audition?

I am not worried about the product not having a firewire or USB input; I am aware of Bel Canto's link and can get that if I find the toslink input wanting.

Budget is flexible to a point. I am looking for a well-built product which will last for years. I am not willing to purchase any component which costs more than a new car, even a base model Kia. That does rule out some of Wadia's models, etc. I hope you all know what I mean.

I will be using the component in conjunction with a Mac Mini playing apple lossless files. I do not have hi-resolution files. I am ripping CDs to external hard drives so a product that does not go up to 24-192 does not rule it out for me.

If I have not been specific enough, please let me know and I will remedy that.

Thanks so much for you effort in helping me in this matter.

 

[anoobis]

I'd just thought about doing the same thing. Admittedly only a quick search but I've only been able to come up with the CA 740C, 840C that have digital inputs.

None of the Marantz I found had digital in (500?/6000?, 63, 67).

I couldn't justify the cost of a 740C when I could get the same DAC (DACMagic) and use digtial out from any other CDP (I know that's not what you want to do).

 

[auee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by anoobis /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd just thought about doing the same thing. Admittedly only a quick search but I've only been able to come up with the CA 740C, 840C that have digital inputs. None of the Marantz I found had digital in (500?/6000?, 63, 67). I couldn't justify the cost of a 740C when I could get the same DAC (DACMagic) and use digtial out from any other CDP (I know that's not what you want to do).

I am aware of the Cambridge Audio models, but have not heard any. The most important aspect for me is the player sounds. I am looking for a particular sound signature as I attempted to describe in the post.

Thanks for the response.

 

[iriverdude]

First time I've heard CDP have digital inputs...