Rega Apollo: buy a DAC or buy a new/newer CDP?


Rega Apollo supposedly has a very good transport. Would a quality outboard DAC provide a MAJOR improvement in sound quality?? Or, is the smarter move to just buy a new CDP like either a used Sony XA 5400ES or a Cambridge Audio 840C, or 851C

All three of these players have appeared several times for sale on AG. I am giving up analog and CD's will be my only source.

Having only a one source system, should I investigate an even better CDP than the ones cited above??
sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by realremo

I'm going out on a limb here. Haven't done this in a while. Here's my $1000 recommendation:
Currently owned Rega Apollo-->
Lifatec Silflex optical cable $55 currently on A'gon-->
Empirical Audio Synchro-Mesh re-clocker $699 at http://www.empiricalaudio.com/products/synchro-mesh-->
Kimber Kable D-75 digital coax $69 currently on A'gon-->
Musical Fidelity V-DAC $149 currently on A'gon
Total $972
The DAC is not that important if you have a great clock. It might not be pretty but I'll bet this setup would sound incredible.