Mike, I'd see about auditioning some DACs. I have a similar set-up to what you describe. B&K 202 (basically the Ref 20 with AV5000 in one chassis). Source is Marantz CC48 (Please don't laugh), Monarchy 24/96 DIP and MSB Link DAC II modified by Dan Wright. (Dwright-username). IMO the DAC's in the B&K are only so-so for stereo, if that. Going in 'Stereo Direct-Analog' via an external DAC is much, much better. I can't hardly listen to 2 channel with the digital connection FWIW. I'd venture to say you'll be quite surprised trying a decent DAC in Direct mode on the B&K. Hope this helps. P.S. I'd try the P3A, I'm looking to get a P1A soon.
Advice Required
I have a combined HT/music system and thanks to all the advice here, I recently added a Bryston 4B-ST to drive the front L/R speakers. I am currently using a Yamaha CD player as a transport and the DACs in my B&K Ref 20 (20 bit DACs). I would like to upgrade my CD playback and am thinking of adding an external DAC and using the analog passthrough capabilities of the Ref 20. Have read some good reviews on the P3A and that is what I am thinking of adding. Am I on the right track, or would I be better off buying an all in one CD player such as the new Rega Planet 2000. Thanks and hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.