2. digital
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transport/dac vs integrated player

I have almost always used an outboard dac,  primarily because it always sounded much better, presumably because the external dac was better than my cd players internal dac. I have always concentrated on the dac and not on the quality of the transport, and planned on trying better transports and also playing via computer with a usb to s/pdif bridge. The question I have is this: assuming the dac in an integrated player equals the sound quality of an external dac, does the fact that it is in the player itself  alleviate any issues with the connection from a transport to an external dac?   To put it another way, assuming all things being equal, am I better off seeking out a player rather than a separate transport /dac?  Thanks in advance. 

majorc
mastering92
870 posts
 

CD Transports can make a difference. If you have a digital/analog switch, even more apparent. Sony, Esoteric, etc. Mostly brands from Japan are great. A separate machine, good short cables to connect them, makes a difference.

jl35
3,920 posts
 

I've always read and been told that jitter is reduced in an all in one player, though newer DACs reject jitter much better...and if you are a cable guy, the cost of an extra power cord and a good digital cable...my main system uses separates, other systems all in one players...also depends on price range...are some good low and high cost transports, not much in-between...DAC's at all price ranges...depends how often you upgrade...don't underestimate importance of the transport...

ghdprentice
6,362 posts
 

Given where we are in the evolution of digital playback you definitely want to stay with separates. CD playing is rapidly being replaced with streaming.. many companies have discontinued manufacturing them. Streaming is rapidly replacing CD transports. My streamer sounds better on streamed high resolution material than a spun CD. My service ($12 / month) gives me access to over 1/2 million high resolution albums and millions of CDs. 
 

I can spin a CD… but only do a punt once a year… then can’t figure out why I bothered.

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