In Reply to: New CD player or DAC posted by polar boy on May 9, 2005 at 16:27:57:
I was in nearly the same situation. Same Sony, then Arcam and Martin Logan. I went with the Benchmark DAC-1. IT's a little above your price range at 1K. But, there a DAC-2 rumoured, so maybe some upgraders will sell and you can pick one up used :)
The Sony is a perfectly fine transport for the DAC-1. Stereophile even recommends the Tosh 3950 as a transport for it. The DAC-1 was Sterophile "Editors Choice" for 2004.For me it was the perfect choice.
Sounds great. CD on the DAC-1 sounds better than SACD on the Sony.
I can also drive the DAC-1 from my PC server (Three sets of inputs).
It can decode 24/96 DVD-V/A stereo tracks.
I got a great Headphone amp.
There's no fuss. I wasn't willing to deal with batteries, or odd output voltages, or modding new purchases. Buy it. Plug it in.
Finally, If I want to upgrade to a new SACD player or other new format, I don't have to worry about it's CD performance.
Bob
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Follow Ups
- I chose the DAC. - Pivo 19:29:23 05/14/05 (0)