Budget DAC vs new Player


Hello,

I have a Rotel 855CD which has given me excellent service. Recently, I tried a new Emotiva ERC-1 ($400) with mixed results. While the soundstage depth on the Emotiva was superior, the Rotel bested the ERC-1 at the low end and for accurate timbre (a clarinet on the Rotel sounded more like an oboe on the Emotiva!)

So, given that I have limited funds to work with, I was wondering if I should try a DAC, such as the KECES DA-131 Mk II. Or, dollar for dollar value, should I look for another CD Player?

My working assumption is that the limitation on the Rotel is the chipset, not the transport.

Most of my listening is classical music.

Any suggestions or comments you might care to offer will be appreciated.

Rotel 855 CD
NAD T-163 pre/pro
Emotiva UPA 2 amp
Klipsch KG 4

Many thanks,

Jon
opteron05

Showing 1 response by parasound63