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DAC to match $2-3K CD player

Listened to the Rolling Stones' Beggars Banquet last night--first streaming Apple Lossless files via Squeezebox Duet, then on my Naim CD5x. Of course, with the bare Squeezebox and no external DAC, there was no comparison. What I'm wondering is how far up the DAC food chain would you need to start looking to match the sound quality of a $2-3K dedicated player? (I tried a Musical Fidelity V-DAC in my office and was unimpressed, so I'm not looking for a giant killer.) I'm not going all digital any time soon, so my question is really out of curiosity and to start a conversation if anyone else is interested.
afranta

Showing 2 responses by smholl

smholl
190 posts
 
I have a SQ Duet and Wyred 4 Sound DAC-1. Also had a Naim CD5x at same time.Compared them. Sold CD5x. 'nuf said.
smholl
190 posts
 
Afranta- W4S DAC-1 has more detail (don't take that as harsh, etchy)and bass is more solid. CD5x tended to call attention to some parts of the audio spectrum, while seeming to attenuate others. Not knocking the CD5x, I had it for about 2 years and enjoyed the sound.
But as I started to get more and more into ripping CD's and purchased the DAC-1 to go with the Duet, I was using the CD5X less. I enjoyed the ripped CD going through the Duet/DAC-1 more than listening to the same CD through the CD5x. Just a matter of preference I suppose.
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