Better dac's, cd player or receiver?

[gwh]

Need to replace my Denon disc changer.
I have been using this changer(dcm-320) since 1992 and have started hearing static in the right channel.
The dcm-320 does not have digital out.
I’ve been looking at some refurbs on E-bay, the dcm-280 with Burr-Brown 18-Bit D/A Converters (PCM-1716) for $100 shipped, or the dcm-380 with HDCD® Decoding • Burr-Brown 20-Bit D/A Converters (PCM-1748) for around $160 shipped.
Both have digital coax out.
I will be hooking the changer up to a Denon avr-3803, 16 Burr-Brown PCM-1791 24 bit, 192 kHz high resolution DACs on all eight channels, in differential configuration • Real 24 bit, 96 kHz Digital Interface Receiver • 24 bit, 192 kHz A/D conversion (Burr-Brown PCM-1804) on all analog inputs.

Now it looks like to me that the receiver has the better dac’s of the three components, and I should hook the changer up via digital coax right?
If that’s the case should I save the $ and get the cheaper 280 or go with the 380 and the hcdc decoding?

Thanks in advance for your time,
G

[Early B.]

Don't make your decision based on DACs alone. DACs are just one piece of the puzzle. There are many other considerations.

Another option is to look into purchasing an SACD/DVD-A player. There are several models in the price range you're considering ($100 - $160) and they may sound better than the Denon CD players you mentioned.

[hamzahsh]

In your case should use the coax or optical to use Denon 3803 DACs, they are better and newer than your old CD player DACs. I'm agree with Early B. There are many other parts beside DACs makes the difference in sound quality, even the construction and design makes the difference to eliminate as much as noise from the sound. Quality parts gives you quality sound.

Believe me I own two DVD players and one is $100 Malata DVP-580 Multi-region and I use optical cable to use DACs of my Yamaha 1400. The second is my 5 years old $700 Toshiba SD-3109. When I play CD & DVDs through my Malata they sound harsh and bright but my Toshiba sounds warmer and sweeter more detailed and silky smooth like butter more like a $1000 CD player. Doesn't matter which DACs you use the CD/DVD player still makes the difference in sound quality even when you use them as a transport.

GIGO (Garbage-In Garbage-Out)

Well recorded CDs always sound better!:p


I use coaxial cable from my Toshiba SD-3109 DVD player to use my Yamaha RX-V1400 pre/pro DACs and it sounds sweet. If I use the Analog Out from 3109 I've to manually change the input signal to ANALOG each time on my 1400. I found this to be a hassle but both sounds great and no difference in sound quality at all.

Yamaha RX-V1400 (AKM DACs)
Toshiba SD-3109 (Burr-Brown DACs)

Both DACs are outstanding!;)