I'm in almost the same boat. I've decided on around $1,000. I already have a Marantz cd63se, and I'm wondering if I should get a new all in one like the new Rega planet, or get a DAC like the Bel Canto or Van Alstine or others,... Hopefully I'll sort it all out soon, I'll let you know.
CD playback - 1 box or 2
If the group is ready for another “CD Player or Separates” question (I’ve read all the old ones that are still on-line), here goes… I had planned to spend one grand to buy a CD player. I started to listen to budget/mid items like Arcam Alpha’s through 8SE, Rotel’s through 991…. They were mostly a nice improvement over what I’ve been using, but they really didn’t excite me much. (I’d especially like to hear more of the weight and resonance of the human voice.) (I’m running through Linn Majik to Linn Sekrit speakers.) ….. So now, I think I might have to look at the next level of players and perhaps think Used. Now, maybe I’m looking for an Alpha 9, or a Linn Genki, or Meridian 506, or something in that neighborhood. ….. In that used-equipment price range, a combination of a DAC like one of the MSBs or a Muse 2 and an inexpensive but well-regarded player used as a transport also seems affordable. It defies reason to think that a two-box solution at this price range would measure up to the performance of a good one-box. But, what do you think? Should I be considering two-box options as well?