Upgrade Help: CDP or DAC


I currently running Marantz 5004 CDP, (speakers) System Audio Mantra 10, (Amp) Exposure Super XV.

The current weak link is the CDP. I am looking for a less bright sound. A sound warm/liquid and open with a good sound stage. I willing to for go extreme resolution and bass slam.

I wanted to spend $700.00 used. I was wondering if I should use the Marantz as a transport and buy the best DAC I can or should I just sink the money into a used CDP.

I did find the Marantz very bright the addition of some good interconnect smoothed it out but still just a little to bright for me.

Thanks for any thoughts
darkstar1
FWIW, my second system that's at my beach house is a Cronus Magnum and I am now running my Havana with it and it sounds really good!
Looking at the reviews and advice I thinking the Havana might be the way to go. Do theses come up here on gon. Or do I need to purchase one new?
I ended up getting a Rega. I really like it. So far I am using it with a blue Jean Cable using the Marantz as a transport. According to sterophile the Rega Dac is class B and the Marantz is Class C.

I think the Rega added a bit more detail. It is warmer and does get rid of the slight brightness the Marantz had. It does add more body to the music but does not lose any pace. The presentaion seems to be better with the Rega. Better sound staging and pretty good image but not pin point.

It does not totally leave the Marantz in the dust but it does add more depth and texture to music. Marantz had a wide flat sound stage but the Rega added more side to side as well. I think it really creates a a nice presention when several instruments are playing at a time. You can hear all the individual parts but they all come together well.

In the end I would have liked to try some other DACS Aka Metreum Octive and the Havana. But I am happy and sticking with the Rega. I got mine for under $600 bucks in great condition. I am not sure if I would buy new for many of these dacs. They drop in valve quick and the technology changes to quick for me to drop retail on them. In addition Dac seems to be closer in performance in sound then say speakers and amps. I don't think your going to get drastic chages in DACs in same general price range. It will be small differences that mostly audiophile will notice and enjoy.

I did look at alot of Rega DAC vs Dac X and the rega always seemed to fair well in its sound stage ability.