The answer to your question is a no brainer. Go with the seperate DAC! If I were you, I would save a little bit longer and get a used (from this site), Benchmark DAC. It will be the best investment you have ever made. Read the reviews. Class A in Stereophile and has been since its introduction. It's also a headphone amp. It can be used as a preamp. It has both single ended and balanced outputs. Absolute bargain. I have seen them on this site for less than $600.
Upgrade my CD player or buy a DAC?
I cannot decide wether I would be better off buying a dedicated CD player or a DAC and use my current player as a Transport. I am currently using a Yamaha BD-S2900 as my CD/DVD player. I use my system almost exclusively for 2-channel audio, mostly Folk, Rock, and Jazz. My current setup:
Vandersteen 2CE Sigs
McCormack RLD-1 Preamp
Sunfire 5x200 running Biamp
Yamaha BDS-2900
Apple G5 for digital music
Audioquest King Cobra Interconnects
Audioquest Type-8 Speaker Wire
I have a budget of up to $600, let me know if you have any advice.
Vandersteen 2CE Sigs
McCormack RLD-1 Preamp
Sunfire 5x200 running Biamp
Yamaha BDS-2900
Apple G5 for digital music
Audioquest King Cobra Interconnects
Audioquest Type-8 Speaker Wire
I have a budget of up to $600, let me know if you have any advice.