The JVC chipset is still OK by today's standards, and the analog output section is also probably a lot better than some so-called high-end stuff. Recommend NOT getting into a DAC, there will be no significant improvement. Get a 200 CD carrousel for storing your least-used CD's and keep the JVC! For $300-$400 the Sony CDP-CX240 has fast CD change times, and the digital and analog output sections are OK. It may sound different than the JVC, but doubt that you would prefer one over the other. (I am also a big Energy fan, email me).
advice on adding dac to old cd ?
I have the upgrade bug but not lots of cash,so I have been checking out dac's for sale on the different sites. My cd is a single disc JVC from 89 (jvc444).It has always served me well and still works great.I have owned a NAD and a Technics and this one sounds better.Would I be better off buying a current player such as cambridge 4 or adding a used DAC for a similar amount of coin.I did get to hear a rather exspensive Pioneer 6-pack in my system and the bass seemed deeper and smoother but it skipped so i dumped it.I have read a lot about Pioneer's transport being well rated so how much of the sound quality comes from the transport? I am pretty happy with the rest of the system. thanks AR 07 int. amp Tara labs interconcet on cd Energy 5.1 energy esm-2 Philips 212/ v15 IV bi-wire 10 GA no-name speaker wire.