Two consecutive DACs are impossible. When you use optical out from your CD player, you are bypassing its internal DAC (the signal remains digital), and using the A324 as your DAC. In order to use the DAC from your CD player, you must use analog out.
Newer CDP vs Older DAC
Hello. I was wondering if it ever makes sense to use a newer CDP with an older DAC? Actually I just got rid of an Technics 110 disk player of which I used the optical out into a Musical Fidelity A324 DAC. A fantastic sounding combination. Both are about 9 years old. Again, I only sold the Technics. I then plugged the optical out of a Marantz CC4001 DCP changer purchased about a year ago, which supposedly has a very good quality DAC into the A324. To my ears a far worse combination. Not nearly as vibrant or realistic. The sound of the present combo is too laid back/recessed with boomy bass being the obvious disadvantages. Any opinions on this is appreciated.