2. digital
  3. 1228568515

Get a new CD player or external DAC?

Currently my digital sources are Cambridge Audio 540C V2 and Squeezebox (SB3) connected to Krell KAV-400xi with Sonus Faber Concertino Domus speakers.

I would like to upgrade my digital source, i.e. CA 540C V2, something puzzle me whether should i get a new CD player or external DAC with budget of USD 1,500?

I wish to get advise from you and your recommendation either CD player or external DAC.

Advantage of external DAC will be i can connect my the other digital source, i.e. SB3.

Thanks in advance.
auronthas

Showing 2 responses by tobias

tobias
1,534 posts
 
A great standalone DAC, and more musical to my ear than the Benchmark, is the Apogee Mini-DAC. However you can't get it new with USB any more, you have to go FireWire. If you want USB you have to find it used.

One more thing: the quality of your transport and cable is very important. If you get a DAC worth $1500, you will need a good digital cable (at least a VH Audio cryo Pulsar 1.5m long) and then, your Cambridge player will show what made it an entry-level buy. I wouldn't count on being happy with that combination for long.

If you decide to upgrade your CD player, the best one I know at your price (for a new unit) is the JAS Audio Musik 1.2.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Auronthas, the Benchmark DAC-1 is an extraordinary product. I have
compared its sound carefully with that of two other DACs at equal or higher
prices. I found it brought out details in the recording like nothing I had ever
heard. Get a listen if you can. If you can't, and if you prefer warm over
analytical, then I would bet you took to the Apogee Mini-DAC more than the
Benchmark. Both have XLR outputs.

The situation with digital cables is rather special. The point here is that any
digital cable will do its best in most setups only if it is 1.5m long. A cheaper
cable of that length will beat a better but shorter one for coherence and
clarity. Analog cables don't have this length requirement. The shorter you can
make them, the better they sound.

With any cable, buy the best you can which still keeps cost in perspective.
The idea is not to pay for cables with money you would be better off using for
a major component upgrade.
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