[trentrosa]

So, I have found. an old portable CD player, however I question the quality of the DAC and if it is worth using. I understand CDs provide the best sounding audio compared to mp3 etc, so I was wondering if a 1 bit DAC is simply garbage (this player is old), or if 1, 16, 24, etc bit DACs just present the sound differently. I have attempted to research this however there are many mixed responses. I would like to use it with a headphone amp with the line out.
 
It is a Sony sports Discman esp.

 

[trentrosa]

If this DAC is suitable, I will rip CDs and use this player vs. a portable mp3 player (iPod Touch 4th gen - 24 bit Cirrus codec).

 

[proton007]

Quote:

If this DAC is suitable, I will rip CDs and use this player vs. a portable mp3 player (iPod Touch 4th gen - 24 bit Cirrus codec).

I think it should be fine. Its a 1-bit continuous DAC, it works in a different manner than the 16/24 bit DAC (basically it samples at 16x the frequency) so don't get confused by the numbers.
Since you already have an iPod, you can compare the two. Use the line out from the iPod -> Amp -> Headphone, and compare it with CD Player -> Amp -> Headphone.

 

[Sapientiam]

Not garbage but 1bit DACs really suck for dynamics.