How do I spend $5000? A CD player or DAC for my De

The reason I am wondering about the seperate DAC vs a single box solution is the flexibility to use it with a music server and to improve the performance of your existing player. I currently have a Sony DVP-NS9100ES which is pretty nice. With that player, I tend to think a really good DAC is the way to go.

Does anyone have an opinion on whether a cheap player fed into an audiophile DAC would significantly compromise quality (introducing jitter, etc) vs a high grade transport?

One last thing...anyone have any opinions on DACs inside A/V pre-pros that compete with good stand alone DACs? I'm wondering about the DACs in processors like the Proceed AVP, Anthem AVM line or Theta CasaNova vs a Benchmark or similar DAC.

I tried the transport/dac thing years ago with a sony S9000es and a Proceed DAP, Transaprent digital cable.

I prefered the MF308cd to this. Once you separate the transport and dac then you have to worry about the digital cable which can send you down another (expensive) path.

What about a single box solution that offers digital inputs like the Levinson 390?

The Cambridge 840C has a digital input. It's not quite in the 5K category but from all the buzz it's a great piece.

How about DACs in pre-pros like the Proceed?

I appreciate the desire to upgrade CD sound.
You have not mentioned conditioning & isolation for AC.
You have not heard your 9000 until you isolate its AC from the rest of your system.
Experiment and you will be amazed to find the true capability of the Sony.
I'm open to provide suggestions if you like. Best luck. Pete.

Cary 306 SACD. Has 2 digital inputs, upsampling and sounds great! Since the pro version came out, you should be able to pick one up for $5000 or less.