New CDP or DAC?

[PSOVLSK]

Currently use either my PS3 or an older Panasonic DVD player as a CDP.

Which would give me the biggest upgrade, a better CDP or a DAC? Would like to keep it in the $200-250 range. I know my budget severely limits me on a DAC, but give me your thoughts.

[kawizx9r]

I'd personally go with a DAC, you can use it on different CDP's and you're more than likely able to get something that sounds a bit better than a stand alone player.

Not saying you can't find a good player in that price range, but you'd have to look in the used section for that and know what to look for and hope that someone is selling that particular player.

Just my .02

-Freddy

[PSOVLSK]

Thanks. Just went on craigslist and found a Parasound D/AC 800 for $125. I don't know if it's still available, but that seems like a pretty good deal.

[LessisNevermore]

I vote go with the DAC, and use the old Panny DVD player.

[polkfarmboy]

This thread intrests me greatly

I would love to hear forum members thoughts on cheap dac recommendations in the $200 or slightly above price range

[kawizx9r]

There's the Adcom GDA-600 which I've heard nothing but good things about. Fairly inexpensive, just hard to find anyone selling one.

I wanted a DAC as well, but decided I'd go with a DAC+pre.

Let us know what you end up getting and your thoughts on it!

-Freddy

[coolsax]

I know a lot of the guys at audiocircle liked the Maverick Audio DAC/pre.. there's a whole thread devoted to it on the cheap & cheerful section.
http://www.mavaudio.com/

[hearingimpared]

I bought a tube CDP that has a great DAC in it but it cost more than 10xs the amount of your budget. Halfstepping just puts a bigger burden on your bank account over time but that's just me.

[bopicasso]

A musical fidelity v-dac can be had used for around 200

[hearingimpared]

A musical fidelity v-dac can be had used for around 200

Good choice.

[thsmith]

Paul, I was using my PS3 as CDP. I wanted better sound so I bought a PS Audio DAC III but the improvement in sound was marginal.

I then bought a Rotel 1072 CDP and with the PS Audio DAC it was magic.

The Rotel is suppose to have a very good DAC but I have not tried it since I had already bought the PS Audio DAC.

So if you buy a DAC you may not realize the sound improvements you are looking for if your CDP is holding you back.

[cfrizz]

Rotel makes great CD players, I have the RCD-1072, look on Audiogon for one. It will cost you more then your budget, but it will be well worth it.

But don't take my word for it, Here is a report from Russ, & he knows good gear when he hears it!

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/show...ght=Rotel+1072

[thsmith]

Paul, If you would like to borrow mine to see if you like it let me know.

Here is one for $370

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....otel-RCD-1072-

[PSOVLSK]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

The Maverick Audio DAC is intriguing.

The Music Fidelity was on my list of DAC's.

Sent an e-mail to the seller of the Rotel CDP, but haven't heard back from him. That seems like a CDP that a guy could enjoy for years.

Tracy, thanks for the offer. I'd love to take you up on it, but I'm scared of somehow damaging it while it's in my possession. All it would take was my 6 year old "Dennis the Menace" look alike doing something he wasn't supposed to do:)

[leroyjr1]

I know where a rotel rcd-1072 cdp for $275. Let me know if you're interested.

[PSOVLSK]

Very interested Leroy. I sent you a pm.

[PSOVLSK]

Well I've sent three e-mails to different individuals about a couple of CDP's and a DAC but I can't seem to get a reply from anyone.

Guess I'll just try to be patient until something comes along.