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Good CD player vs. Transport and DAC

Where am I going to get the best Digital playback? Going with a high end CD player or a transport and DAC? Also, what's the difference between a transport and a cd player if you are using an external dac with either one? I am thinking of an Oppo bdp 95 to use for cd play back since it seems to have a really nice dac (SABRE32 Reference ES9018 from ESS Technology). I am currently using a denon dvd 2900 and a musical fidelity v-dacII with pangea p100 power supply. Any feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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Showing 2 responses by elizabeth

elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Transports wear out. DACs do not.
So I would buy a 'decent CD player. Then.. after time and whatever, a better DAC.
Once you have that 'for life' DAC. CD players/changers, whatever come and go. They break, So what.
You still have your DAC.
I have four CD players on my DAC, and two spare ones...
I have no plans on upgrading the DAC anytime soon.
Though if I won the lotto...
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I have mentioned before I own and enjoy a $7000 SACD player I use exclusively  for it's DAC, Marantz SA-10. Connected to the Marantz I play CDs in a typical for $40 used, five disc changer.    Even the Toslink to the DAC at $120 costs more!     
Now certainly not all cheap CD spinners sound good to a DAC. but there are enough it is worth the trouble to experiment to find one or several you like and can use as dirt cheap spinners to a good DAC.Now it is true some player suck as spinners, no question. But then some are great.                        
I save the Marantz spinner for reference. It is slightly better, but not enough to worry about, compared to my changers spinning CDs.And The Marantz as DAC plays CDs so well they sound just as good as SACDs.
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