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DAC for CD transport

Suggestion needed for DAC to be used with CD transport(either dedicated or dvd player as transport) around $1k range for 2nd system, not planning to use with PC.

And my current and previous source listed to understand my preference

Currently using Roksan kandy K3, like the sound, has plenty of air between instruments, extended treble and taut bass, vocals are good.

Previously used Audiolab 8200CD, had denser sound, lacking in instruments separation.

Heard Marantz cd-8005 during audition, it’s kind of thick voice.

DAC’s so for I am considering..

Line Magnetic LM-502CA

Audio gd NOS DAC-19

Teac UD-503

Rega Dac-R

Or should I go with another dedicated CD player?

advise needed, thanks

murgeshj
mesch
1,679 posts
 
Most later model CD players have optical or coax digital output, some both. Most DACs have both optical and coax inputs. Generally coax is preferred. Given that you won't require a USB input you are open for the opportunity to purchase an older used DAC . There are many that show up used as owners are switching to computer audio and require USB. Many of these older DACs were originally very expensive due to having an excellent power supply and analog output stage. They are selling for a fraction of the original price. I own two older DACs, a Bryston BDA-1 and a MDHT Parasideo.
Just a thought not knowing what the used market is in Thailand. 
vmfosm
3 posts
 
Due to the popular of  DSD/DXD format music and recording, maybe compatibility of DSD can take into consideration when buying a new DAC now.

rspyder
75 posts
 
MSB Analog DAC
vmfosm
3 posts
 
MSB is too expensive XD~~~
ejr1953
542 posts
 
I have had a PS Audio DirectStream DAC since it was a relatively new model.  I snagged one of their PerfectWave CD transports on Audiogon, along with an I2S cable, to use that output/input setup, sounds great!

The DirectStream DAC uses an FPGA, so every so often PS Audio provides firmware updates which improve the performance.

Very happy with this combination.

If you have SACDs, PS Audio has recently added a DirectStream Memory Player to their lineup of transports.
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