🚀 go-pugleaf

Hi there,

> I'm at the stage where I'm considering a CD upgrade.  However, it's not
> clear to me whether or not adding a DAC is a viable option (sound wise).

It largely depends....

> Does anyone have any experiances or recommendations on when or when not to
> use a DAC?

In a Nutshell, as long as everything in equal (read Digital Filter, DAC's,
Analogue Stages, Powersupplies and the Transport inside the CD-Player has a
seperate PSU) the DAC will loose every time.

If the CD-Player is not so hot however, the better Filter and Chipset in an
External DAC MIGHT provide a real improvement (not just a different bad
sound).

Having recently tested my Hotrodded Marantz CD-67 SE CD-Player against a very
expensive DAC/X-Port Combo (Audio Synthesis DAX + Teak's one down from the Top
Transport), my hotrod CD-Player was almost indistinguishable....

It was only below about 40Hz that the DAC/X-Port combo was definitly better
(more weight).

> I've heard that it's really not worth while and you should just
> purchase a new CD player.

Well sort of.

> I don't know if it makes a difference but I only have an optical
> output on the CD player.

It does. With no coax Output (only worth having if it's a BNC though) forget
it.

> However, I'm reluctant to buy a new CD player with DVD Audio pending.

I'm reluctant buying CD's....

> It may be that a new DVD player in a year or so is the way to go....?

I doubt it. Despite the ravings in some Mag's, on real terms few DVD Players
can match the CD performance of even modest mid-priced Mass-Market Stuff....

> In the mean time I could add, say a Musical Fidelity X-ACT.

Blow the Money on Music.... The X-Act (IMHO) has a worse DAC than your CD-
Player....

> My current system is: Amp - Musical Fidelity A2, Spkrs - Tannoy M3's, Kimber
> 4TC cable and Pioneer PDS703 CD

So what is the complaint with the System? What are you trying to acieve by
upgrading? Or are there just a few 100 Pound/Dollar burning a Hole into your
Pocket?

If so buy a decent Turntable and start buying Vinyl....

Kind regards Thorsten.

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