which budget DVD player for output to DAC?

I'm sure you are right, I've used a Rega and I'm currently using a Meridian 506.20 to satisfaction but an old CD player will not play DVD's or DVDA's, which is why I asked.

Frankly I don't care what the form is but rather the function is more important. I'll put up with plastic if it produce the sound I desire.

So, again, does anyone have an experienced, educated opinion on a cheap DVD player that would function well as a transport?

The problem with "budget" dvd players is that they are built poorly. They use cheap parts, flimsy transports and they weigh about six pounds. Any half-decent CD player, even an old one with a quality transport mechanism, will sound better as a transport.

I would also like to get some feedback on cheap transports. I don't think it is too late to be using external DAC's and for me there are a number of reasons why it makes a lot of sense.

I'm presently using a MSB Gold Link III. I want the transport to be able to read CD, CDR, DVD, DVDA. Any suggestions?

My $0.02 personally I think you're about three years too late to be playing with DACs and de-jitter devices like the DIP. I would consider a DVD or SACD player and get it modified by one of the respected modders. For example I currently have an EVS Millennium DAC, but if I lost the unit for some reason, or had to start over now, I would probably get Ric's mod to one of the panasonic DVD players. No digital ICs. Only one aftermarket power cord, one shelf, can get a modified clock, etc, etc. I think you'd be far ahead with performance for dollars, but just thing of all of the nervosa you would avoid!

No affiliation with EVS or Panasonic/Matsushita. Just a satisfied owner.