Quality CD player to also serve as external DAC?

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I did check into them, and I think that they may be more than I need.
I am running a bryston amp and preamp system.
I like having all my CD's in a carosel for organization and convience.
I want a single CD player to sample CD's before putting them into the changer. And I would also like to try a higher quality DAC, than what's in the Sony CDP M555ES changer.

What is thought of California Audio Lab CL-15?

-Luc

Cal Audio has been out of business for ten years or close to that. If it breaks it could be a proprietary part and you are pretty much screwed unless you want to start building a pile of these things to scavenge parts. Some of their transports/players used proprietary transports; just so you are aware!

I am trying to stick with digital products that are supported by companies still in business.

Thanks for the heads up C123666.
I thought I had the perfect unit, but I fully agree,
it is key to buy products which will have parts available. Especially on units with moving parts.

-Luc

I would back up the opinions of the Quad mentioned by the posters above. I recently acquired the CDP-2 (the official designation for the 2005-updated CDP-99; the original CDP99 seems to have had some transport-related issues, now fixed). The CDP-2 designation is not much used here in the US but google it and you will see that virtually all European dealers use it.

I did not understand your comment, Trubluluc, about being more than you need. The Quad is a cd player and also has six digital inputs (3 optical, 3 RCA-type) which makes it very versatile and seems like exactly what you need. (I think its DAC is very good btw). It also has a volume control and both fixed and variable outs so you can use with or without a preamp. Really, 3 units in one.

Anyway, am happy with mine. Another plus for me is I am in a downsizing mode, and I mean that more in a physical sense. The Quad is small (12" wide) and I love its looks after having played with some giant gear in the past. No doubt I will swing back that way again in a couple years but I am liking the small stuff now.

See if you can get one to audition. Or used at or under $1K is not a bad deal; you can probably sell it for the same figure if you don't like it.

Thanks Kick-

What I meant was: I didn't need so many imputs, one digital input would be enough. Don't need volume control either as I have a bryston preamp that I'm quite happy with, and who needs yet another remote control on the table right?
This may be a viable option however, because I simply can't find many high quality CD players with quality DAC's that have a digital imput for around 1000. used.
One would think it would be easy enough for manufactures to include an input. Because if the DAC is that good, I'm sure people would consider using it as a stand alone DAC, also and save having to buy another unit.

My only other consideration, and I know it shouldn't matter, but I hate silver componentry. Every other piece of gear I own, including my rack, is black. Putting one piece of silver in the system, would look odd.

-Luc