Budget DAC

I'm currently using a Pioneer DVD player into an Electronic Visionary Sytems Millennium DAC. I had previously been using a modified Link DAC, and the EVS DAC is clearly at another level in terms of dynamics, imaging, soundstage, and transparency. At $1050 it's also significantly more expensive, but you definately get what you pay for(superior parts, execution, and jitter reduction) and you can always return it if it doesn't dramatically improve your system. With the Millennim DAC you'll get fantastic results with your DVD player as a transport, so you can pretty much ditch the Philips and not look back. Best of luck.

Tim

You also might consider getting the Pioneer modified by Stan Warren or Dan Wright - whether you use it as a stand-alone or a transport. Everyone seems to speak highly of both.

I have a Phillips CD-880 that is now a back up. The Theta Pro Basic 3a will blow you away. The 880 makes a great transport and will blow away any of the mid priced dvd players as a transport. I have seen 3a on here around 800.00. Its clear that the above post is not fim with the 880 or its buld quality. The gold crown chips still sound good to me . I think they kick most of the bitstream players buts! The only bad thing about the 880 is if you drop it on your foot it will darn sure break it. Its very heavy.

Ninja- Amen brother.Is the 880 a beast or what.On top of that it was my first CD player.So it has some sentimental value.My 880 is not only built like a tank,but it is still in mint shape.Unfortunately the remote don't work.Ironically I have a Marantz SR 880 HT reciever and the Marantz remote works the CD-880.The old Phillips CD Players were awseome,the 960,the 880,and the CD80. Peace-krelldog

Krelldog another plus is the 960 was made in japan, the 880 was made in Belgum. The marantz is the same as phillips same products same company. Only the names are changed to protect the innocent.