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Get a new CD player or external DAC?

Currently my digital sources are Cambridge Audio 540C V2 and Squeezebox (SB3) connected to Krell KAV-400xi with Sonus Faber Concertino Domus speakers.

I would like to upgrade my digital source, i.e. CA 540C V2, something puzzle me whether should i get a new CD player or external DAC with budget of USD 1,500?

I wish to get advise from you and your recommendation either CD player or external DAC.

Advantage of external DAC will be i can connect my the other digital source, i.e. SB3.

Thanks in advance.
auronthas
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Auronthas, the Benchmark DAC-1 is an extraordinary product. I have
compared its sound carefully with that of two other DACs at equal or higher
prices. I found it brought out details in the recording like nothing I had ever
heard. Get a listen if you can. If you can't, and if you prefer warm over
analytical, then I would bet you took to the Apogee Mini-DAC more than the
Benchmark. Both have XLR outputs.

The situation with digital cables is rather special. The point here is that any
digital cable will do its best in most setups only if it is 1.5m long. A cheaper
cable of that length will beat a better but shorter one for coherence and
clarity. Analog cables don't have this length requirement. The shorter you can
make them, the better they sound.

With any cable, buy the best you can which still keeps cost in perspective.
The idea is not to pay for cables with money you would be better off using for
a major component upgrade.
auronthas OP
19 posts
 
Thanks for all response, it's very helpful indeed. Now my task is to audition with various external DACs on my setup.

I am not from US nor Europe. Most of the time, our local hifi suppliers/agents not allow us to bring external DACs home for audition, that's why i need some advise from experts here. If you have almost the same setup as mine, your advise is very useful to me.

What about Cambridge Audio DACmagic? Is it warmer than Benchmark DAC1, Bel Canto 3? Is there any technical data or specification (such as THD, S/N ratio, etc.)to determine the warmth of external DAC?

Thanks again.
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,333 posts
 
If you cannot audition and return then Benchmark DAC1 is safe way to go. It is
one of the cheaper DAC's new and it sells at relatively high used price and it is
has been widely respected for five or more years. Just sell it if you don't like it.
The major criticism with it is that it is neutral and highly detailed with highly
focussed (narrow) soundstage - for some people this will be a drawback as it
emphasizes the fact that you are listening to a recording. I like its honesty.
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