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Under $500 - Used CDP or DAC/Transport?

I've recently sold a couple digital sources (MH CD25.2 and HRT Streamer+) that I found to be too much compromise. The MH throws a huge sound stage, but doesn't sound very accurate to me. String and acoustic guitar sound processed, not very believeable. The HRT made music sound more life like, but was rather dull and lacked the fullness of the MH.

I want to spend around $500 for a replacement. I am thinking a used CDP like an Apollo or an inexpensive used DVD player as transport with a budget DAC. Top DAC choices are audio-gd NFB-3, Beresford Caiman, VDAC, and some others.

Is this price point not worth buying a DAC? I still listen mostly to CDs, I haven't fully taken the computer audio plunge yet (HRT experience was mostly good though). Would it make sense for me to buy the best $500 used CDP now and wait a year or two to target a DAC? I'm particularly interested in the audio-gd DAC, but not if it's just going to be a headache and lateral move at best.
meskandar
raymonda
847 posts
 
(Analog Audio: 7.1ch, 5.1ch, or stereo
Digital Audio: Coaxial, Optical
HDMI Audio: Stereo, up to 7.1ch high-resolution PCM, up to 5.1ch DSD, bitstream or LPCM conversion of Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
576i/576p/720p/1080i/1080p/1080p24))

The above is directly from their web site. It indicates that it plays stereo and is a universal player. The back pannel pictures indicate stereo outputs. So, I'm miffed as to why you think it doesn't output a stereo signal.
raymonda
847 posts
 
I see your confusion. There are a number of player that do not have labeled stereo outs and you go through the front L and R for your stereo signal. You then access the menues to configure your stereo outputs, which in turn gives you the pure stereo signal. This is not unusual and should not be interpreted otherwise.

So enjoy the 93! I know I going to pick one up because It will also take a direct signal from a hardrive and allows me a lot of options and flexability. I have a few DA's so if ultimately I don't like the DA I can use an outboard one but from ears I trust, it is most likely the best value in the here and now.
meskandar OP
19 posts
 
Any chance someone here has compared the Oppo 93 to one of the other CDPs discussed here (Apollo, C 565BEE, etc.)? Just want to know that the 93 would be a sonic upgrade from the others.

I don't need video so Blu-Ray feature is literally of no use to me. The input from hard drive is nice, but I assume it isn't Async USB. Probably better to go optical for computer based music.
raymonda
847 posts
 
I don't think it needs to be async if it going HD-Oppo. There is no computer inbetween. Correct me if I'm wrong but it is basically bit bucket(HD) to interface(Oppo).
zmanastronomy's avatar
zmanastronomy
738 posts
 
For $569 shipped you can get a refurbished NAD C-565BEE here on AG and it is superb. Very involving and accurate.
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