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Looking for DAC/CD player solution

I'm a newbie that has recently acquired a pair of Usher BE 718's and will soon acquire either a Musical Fidelity or Bel Canto Integrated amplifier. My cables are budget audiophile, got interconnects for $35 at 60% off and speaker cables at $65, also 60% off.

I will buy a Blu ray player soon, either a Panasonic or the new Oppo.

I would like improvement in sound to:

1. CD music
2. Computer music
3. music and movies from Comcast cable box
4. Will use Netflix Roku box
5. Would like to use Rhapsody's unlimited music availablity for $10-$15 per month (have a very small music collection), and other services such as Pandora.

What do you think i should do?

1. Buy an upscale CD player used
2. Get a mod to a Panasonic or Oppo BD player
3. Use the Panasonic or Oppo and get a DAC

Can i use the DAC to improve Comcast cable TV sound and Roku and or Squeezebox sound?

I don't mind switching the inputs much. I've heard the Valab Nos is a good deal, and how much of an improvement would a Bel Canto or other $500-$700 DAC be (used).

How can i get Rhapsody? (can't use it with Squeezebox)
my computer is brand new, it has an HDMI,USB port, but no firewire.

I want to have good sound that is equivalent to the components that i slready have. What is a transport exactly?

Where else should i spend money (power cord, tube addition, tube based cd player, etc)? Would prefer to buy used and spend no more than $700, unless it provides very good bang for the buck and a marked improvement over what i can get for $700. Thanks!!!
indiesound

Showing 2 responses by chadlesko

chadlesko
94 posts
 
I like Danmyers suggestions above...I am doing the same things you are with the Be-718's...streaming to a PS3 (same as your squeezbox) then into an Arcam AVR350 (internal DAC)...I am thinking about putting an external DAC between the PS3 and Receiver, but the sound is real nice now.

If you are thinking about Bel Canto amps, you might want to consider their DAC with volume control? Not sure how many inputs they have for sources.

Whatever you do make sure you get plenty of watts...these speakers sing with the right amplification and sound decent but somewhat flat with lesser amps.

If I started over with wiring I would go with JPS wires because they are internally wired with the same brand.

Cheers
chadlesko
94 posts
 
Indiesound

I think your A5 is a good idea...I owned one for several years and now have the Ushers you are attempting to drive...though I have not heard them together! But I would feel comfortable saying the two will work well together. I do not recall that the A5 has an Optical IN, therefore you would need a DAC (look into that).

If I were you I would look to get a DAC that could handle all of your sources without changing wires...PS Audio, Bel Canto and Benchmark are all nice choices...find out which one will accept most of your intended sources. That's why a Pre/Pro (Anthem/Arcam) are good choices...they can handle many sources and have internal DAC's that might not be as good as a stand alone DAC, but are very nice.

Given the number of sources you wish to listen to you can't really go wrong with a DAC, whereby a DVD/CD/Blue Ray player only addresses 1 source when you listen to many others.

If you are going to get a Squeezebox down the road you might want to look into their Transporter unit that might be able to have other sources plugged into it to act as a DAC (not sure).

Cheers
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