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Bypass built-in CD player DAC

Quick question: if the digital output of a CD player is used to connect to an external DAC, is the CD player’s DAC bypassed or is the signal processed by the player’s DAC and then processed again by the external DAC? My old CD player has a bypass mode but the new one I am just testing doesn’t.
I compared the CD player and external DAC setup to CD Player without external DAC  setup via RCA connections and it sounded very similar, which makes me think that the CD player’s DAC is used. Bypass mode on my old CD player with external DAC sounds completely different.

Thanks!
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Showing 1 response by elizabeth

elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I have been using CD Players as disc spinners to a DAC since the mid 90's. No problem. work great.  
My latest purchase of a $7000 SACD player I am using it just as a DAC, with other CD players as the actual spinner. Works great.Do not be afraid to do whatever pleases and works for you.
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